HS 902000 Gas masks
Quick Answer: Gas masks imported under HS 902000 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.5% ad valorem (with numerous preferential rates including free for certain countries). This HS code covers breathing appliances and protective masks, excluding mining safety helmets with built-in masks. Significant trade considerations include varying preferential duty rates for the US, which importers and customs brokers must carefully verify. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9020001000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9020001010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9020001090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9020009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9020009011 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9020001000 | — | — | — |
| 9020001010 | — | — | — |
| 9020001090 | 1.70 % | — | — |
| 9020009000 | — | — | — |
| 9020009011 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 902000 | — | — | — |
| 9020006000 | 2.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9020004000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 9020009000 | 2.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9020.00?
Imports of Gas masks may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 902000 cover?
This subheading covers gas masks and similar respiratory appliances designed to protect against harmful gases, dust, or other airborne contaminants. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes devices that filter or purify air for breathing. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses full-face masks, half-face masks, and respirators with integrated filters or cartridges, intended for industrial, medical, or personal safety use, provided they are not specifically classified elsewhere under Chapter 90.
What falls outside HS 902000?
The following products are excluded from HS 902000: simple dust masks that do not incorporate a filtering mechanism for gases or vapors, such as basic surgical masks or disposable particulate respirators classified under HS 630790. Also excluded are self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with their own air supply, which are typically classified under HS 903190, and specialized medical breathing apparatus like ventilators. Items that are primarily protective clothing rather than respiratory devices, even if they offer some air filtration, will also be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 902000?
A common error is misclassifying simple dust masks or basic particulate respirators as gas masks under HS 902000. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product is designed solely to filter particulates and lacks the capacity to filter harmful gases or vapors, it likely falls under a different heading, such as HS 630790 for other made-up textile articles. Importers must carefully examine the specific protective capabilities and intended use of the item.
How should importers classify products under HS 902000?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 902000 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, function, and materials. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes for Heading 9020. Key considerations include whether the device is designed to filter gases, vapors, or both, and if it is a self-contained breathing apparatus. Comparing the product's features against the specific wording of the subheading and any relevant legal notes is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 902000?
A shipment of 1,000 units of "3M 6200 Half Facepiece Respirators" declared at a customs value of $15,000 USD would attract a US duty of $1,500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($15,000 USD × 10% = $1,500.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, where such respirators are typically classified under HS 902000.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 902000?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 902000, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may be eligible for a duty rate of Free. The top origin countries benefiting from this preference are typically Canada and Mexico. To claim this preference, a valid self-certified origin statement, as per USMCA guidelines, is required. Additionally, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement can offer preferential rates, often Free, for originating goods from the EU or UK, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 902000 (Gas masks)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 902000, covering 'Other breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks with mechanical parts or replaceable filters,' can vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. has a 0.00% MFN rate, while the EU (under TARIC) generally applies a 2.5% ad valorem duty. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty for many originating countries. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for a shipment of gas masks calculated?
Import duty is typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the declared value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For HS 902000, ad valorem rates are common. For instance, if a country applies a 2.5% ad valorem duty and you import 100 gas masks valued at $15 each, the total declared value is $1500. The duty would be calculated as 2.5% of $1500, which equals $37.50.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 902000?
HS code 902000 covers 'Other breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks with mechanical parts or replaceable filters.' This means it applies to devices designed to supply breathable air or filter harmful substances from the air, but specifically excludes those with motors, fans, or provisions for attaching replaceable filters (which would fall under other headings, often in Chapter 63 for textile masks or Chapter 84 for powered respirators). The key is the absence of mechanical parts or replaceable filter systems for the primary function of air purification or supply.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 902000?
Many trade agreements provide preferential or duty-free access for goods classified under HS 902000. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for 0.00% duty. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Chile often result in reduced or zero duty rates for originating goods. Importers must verify the rules of origin for the specific agreement and product.
What documentation is typically required when importing gas masks under HS code 902000?
Standard import documentation for HS 902000 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the intended use of the gas masks (e.g., industrial safety, medical), additional certifications or declarations might be necessary. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential treatment, or specific safety and conformity certificates demonstrating compliance with national standards for respiratory protection. Always check the importing country's customs authority for precise requirements.