HS 903033 Other, without a recording device
Quick Answer: Electrical measuring or checking instruments, without a recording device, imported under HS 903033 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 2.10%, and the US at rates from Free to 40%. This classification specifically covers devices like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and frequency counters that do not have integrated recording capabilities. Importers should be aware of varying Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates in the US, which can be significantly higher for certain origins. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based preferential rates for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9030330000 | — | — | — |
| 9030332000 | — | — | — |
| 9030332010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9030332090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9030337000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9030330000 | — | — | — |
| 9030332000 | — | — | — |
| 9030332010 | — | — | — |
| 9030332090 | 2.10 % | — | — |
| 9030337000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9030333400 | 1.7% | Free (19 programs) | ["No."] |
| 903033 | — | — | — |
| 9030333800 | Free | — | ["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 9030.33?
Imports of Other, without a recording device 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, and 17 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 903033 cover?
This subheading covers other electrical measuring or checking instruments and appliances, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 9030, which do not have a recording device. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes devices like multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, and signal generators that measure electrical quantities but do not store the data electronically. The USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further define these instruments by their function in measuring voltage, current, resistance, frequency, or waveform characteristics without integrated data logging capabilities.
What falls outside HS 903033?
The following products are excluded from HS 903033: instruments with recording devices, such as data loggers or chart recorders, which are classified under other subheadings within 9030. Additionally, instruments primarily designed for non-electrical measurements, such as mechanical calipers or micrometers (Chapter 9027), or diagnostic equipment for internal combustion engines (Chapter 9031), are not covered. Devices that are primarily for communication or signal transmission rather than measurement, like basic radios, are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 903033?
A common error is misclassifying instruments that possess basic data storage or recall functions as not having a recording device. General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 3(b) states that mixtures or composite goods are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may also mistakenly classify devices with integrated computing capabilities or those that perform complex analysis beyond simple measurement under this subheading, when they might belong to more specific headings like 903084 (for instruments with a recording device).
How should importers classify products under HS 903033?
The correct procedure for classifying instruments under HS 903033 involves a thorough examination of the product's primary function and features. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official Explanatory Notes of the WCO Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC. Confirm that the instrument measures electrical quantities and explicitly verify the absence of any data recording or storage mechanism; if a recording device is present, it must be classified elsewhere.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 903033?
A digital multimeter weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $150 USD would attract a US duty of $10.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is $150 USD × 0.07 = $10.50. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 9030.33.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 903033?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 903033, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Japan and Australia. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement or a specific certificate of origin, depending on the agreement and jurisdiction, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 903033, 'Other, without a recording device'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 903033 can vary significantly by country. For example, the United States applies a 0.00% MFN duty rate. The European Union, under TARIC, also often shows 0.00% for this code, but specific national rates may apply. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff lists a 0.00% duty rate. However, it is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate, as variations exist globally. Some countries may impose rates such as 2.10% or 1.7%.
How is the duty calculated for goods classified under HS 903033?
The duty calculation for HS 903033 depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). If it's an ad valorem duty, the calculation is: Duty = (Customs Value of Goods) × (Ad Valorem Duty Rate). For instance, if a shipment of instruments classified under 903033 has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 2.10%, the duty would be $10,000 × 0.021 = $210.00. Always verify the duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or a combination) in the importing country's tariff.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 903033?
HS code 903033 falls under Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof'. Specifically, heading 9030 covers 'Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and other instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking electrical quantities, other than multimeters, without a recording device'. Subheading 9030.33 specifically covers 'Other' instruments within this category that do not have a recording device. Importers must ensure the instrument's primary function is measuring or checking electrical quantities and that it lacks any integrated recording capability to correctly classify it here.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 903033?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 903033. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), originating goods may receive 0.00% duty. The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) where preferential rates, often 0.00%, apply. The UK's Trade Tariff indicates preferential rates such as Free (A*, AU, B, BH, C, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG) for various partner countries. Importers must verify the origin of the goods and the specific provisions of the relevant trade agreement to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 903033?
Standard import documentation is generally required for HS code 903033, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the instrument, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries might require specific declarations or certifications related to electrical safety or compliance with technical standards. It is advisable for importers and customs brokers to consult the importing country's customs authority or their trade facilitation portal for a comprehensive list of required documents.