HS 902820 Liquid meters
Quick Answer: Liquid meters imported under HS 902820 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.10% ad valorem, and the US at a rate that can be free or include specific duties and ad valorem percentages depending on the country of origin. This code covers devices designed to measure and indicate the volume of liquids, such as water meters and fuel flow meters. Importers should verify the specific duty rate applicable based on the origin of the goods, as US rates vary significantly. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of origin for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9028200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9028200000 | 2.10 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9028200000 | 16¢ each + 2.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
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 9028.20?
Imports of Liquid meters 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 14 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 902820 cover?
This subheading covers liquid meters, which are instruments and apparatus designed to measure and indicate the volume of liquids. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes devices like water meters, fuel flow meters, and other volumetric flow meters specifically calibrated for liquid measurement. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database further define these as instruments that register the quantity of liquid that has passed through them, often employing mechanical or electronic principles for their operation.
What falls outside HS 902820?
The following products are excluded from HS 902820: meters designed for gases (classified under 902810), meters for electricity (classified under 902830), and meters for counting revolutions, turns, or other non-specific quantities (classified under 902890). Also excluded are instruments that primarily measure pressure, temperature, or chemical composition of liquids, even if they incorporate a flow measurement function, as their principal function dictates a different classification. For instance, a process control sensor that measures both flow and temperature would likely be classified based on its primary function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 902820?
A common error is misclassifying combination instruments. For example, a device that measures both the flow rate and the total volume of a liquid might be incorrectly classified if its primary function is not solely the measurement of volume, or if it is integrated into a larger system where its role is secondary. General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, concerning goods consisting of different materials or components forming an essential character, is often relevant here, requiring careful analysis of the product's overall purpose and essential characteristic.
How should importers classify products under HS 902820?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 902820 involves a detailed examination of the product's design, function, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and refer to the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. It is crucial to ascertain if the instrument is specifically designed for measuring the volume of liquids and to differentiate it from meters for gases or electricity. Reviewing product literature and technical specifications is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 902820?
A residential water meter weighing 1.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD would attract a US duty of $1.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 3.5% of $50 = $1.75. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 902820. If the meter were valued at $100, the duty would be $3.50.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 902820?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 902820, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially leading to a Free duty rate. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP benefits, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 902820, covering liquid meters?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 902820, 'Liquid meters,' in the United States is 2.10% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with which the U.S. has trade agreements. For instance, under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin.
How is the import duty for a liquid meter under HS 902820 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for liquid meters under HS 902820 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of liquid meters with an entered value of $10,000 is subject to the U.S. MFN duty rate of 2.10%, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (Entered Value) × 0.0210 (Duty Rate) = $210.00. Always ensure accurate valuation and consult the HTSUS for the precise rate.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure a liquid meter is correctly classified under HS code 902820?
To be classified under HS code 902820, the instrument must be specifically designed for measuring the flow or quantity of liquids. This typically includes devices like water meters, fuel flow meters, and industrial process flow meters. The meter must operate by measuring the volume or flow rate of the liquid passing through it. Instruments that measure other parameters, such as pressure or temperature of liquids, would fall under different HS codes. Referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) provides detailed guidance on classification principles.
What documentation is typically required when importing liquid meters under HS code 902820?
Standard import documentation for liquid meters under HS 902820 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some liquid meters, particularly those used for potable water, may also require specific certifications or compliance with national standards related to health and safety. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific requirements with the customs authority of the importing country.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for liquid meters (HS 902820) into the United States?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for liquid meters (HS 902820) into the United States. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU) under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are typically admitted duty-free. Other agreements, such as those with South Korea (KR), Singapore (SG), and various Latin American countries (e.g., Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Peru (PE)), may also offer reduced or zero duty rates. To claim these benefits, importers must provide a valid certificate of origin and ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the respective trade agreement. The USITC's HTSUS provides a comprehensive list of these preferential rates.