HS 903180 Other instruments, appliances and machines
Quick Answer: Other measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines imported under HS 903180 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free for certain lines, with others at 40%. This broad category encompasses a wide array of devices not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 90, used for measuring, checking, or inspecting physical quantities or for performing mechanical operations. Examples include optical measuring instruments, surface roughness testers, and balancing machines. Importers should carefully verify the specific subheadings within 903180 to determine the precise duty rate applicable to their goods, as variations exist. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9031800000 | — | — | — |
| 9031802000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9031808000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9031800000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9031802000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9031808000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 903180 | — | — | — |
| 90318080 | Free | — | — |
| 9031808070 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 9031804000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 9031808060 | — | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 903180 cover?
This subheading covers "Other instruments, appliances and machines" not specified in preceding subheadings of Heading 9031. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes a broad range of measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines that are not specifically designed for optical measurement or inspection, nor for measuring electrical quantities. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide further detail, generally encompassing devices for measuring physical quantities like pressure, temperature, flow, or vibration, as well as machines for testing the properties of materials.
What falls outside HS 903180?
The following products are excluded from HS 903180: instruments for optical measurement (9031.4x), machines for testing the mechanical properties of materials (9024), electrical measuring instruments (9030), and instruments for meteorological, hydrological, or geophysical purposes (9032). For example, a digital caliper used for precise length measurement would typically fall under 9031.4x if it utilizes optical principles, while a universal testing machine for tensile strength would be classified under 9024. Instruments primarily for controlling or regulating processes, such as thermostats, are also excluded and fall under 9032.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 903180?
A common error is misclassifying instruments that have a primary function other than measuring or checking, or those that are specifically enumerated in other headings. For instance, a complex laboratory apparatus that includes a measuring component but is primarily designed for chemical analysis might be classified elsewhere. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) is crucial here, requiring classification based on the essential character of the product when it appears to fall under two or more headings. Importers may also incorrectly classify machines that perform a measuring function as part of a larger manufacturing process.
How should importers classify products under HS 903180?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 903180 involves a thorough examination of the product's primary function and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System, the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), and any relevant rulings or decisions. Key considerations include whether the instrument or machine is designed for measuring or checking a physical quantity and if it is not specifically provided for in other headings of Chapter 90 or elsewhere in the tariff.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 903180?
A digital pressure gauge for industrial use, weighing 1.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 9031.80.90, which covers "Other" measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified elsewhere.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 903180?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 903180, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program may also offer reduced or duty-free treatment for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, while GSP benefits often necessitate a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate can vary significantly based on the product's origin and the agreement's provisions.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 903180 in major markets like the US, EU, and UK?
HS code 903180, covering 'Other instruments, appliances and machines', often carries duty-free treatment under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff in many major economies. For instance, in the United States, the MFN rate is typically 0.00%. Similarly, the European Union's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff often list a 0.00% duty rate for goods classified under this heading. However, importers must always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of import and the particular product, as exceptions or specific trade agreements can influence the final rate. Always consult the official tariff database of the importing country.
How is the classification of 'Other instruments, appliances and machines' under HS 903180 determined, and what distinguishes it from other headings?
HS code 903180 is a residual category within Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Classification under 903180 is determined when an instrument, appliance, or machine does not fit into any more specific heading within Chapter 90. Key criteria include its function: it must be designed for measuring or checking physical quantities, or for performing other specific functions using physical principles (e.g., optical, electrical, mechanical). It is crucial to differentiate it from machines of other chapters (e.g., machines for the food industry in Chapter 84) or instruments of other headings within Chapter 90 that have a more specific application (e.g., medical instruments in 9018, or surveying instruments in 9015).
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 903180?
While HS 903180 itself may not trigger specific licensing or permits in many jurisdictions, importers and customs brokers must be prepared to provide standard import documentation. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, and value of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transport; and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Crucially, a detailed technical description or specification sheet of the instrument, appliance, or machine is often required by customs authorities to verify its classification under 903180 and to ensure it complies with any applicable national standards or regulations, especially if it involves electrical safety or specific performance requirements.
How is the import duty calculated for HS 903180 if a duty rate other than 0.00% applies, and can you provide an example?
The calculation of import duty for HS 903180 depends on the specific duty rate applied by the importing country. If an ad valorem rate applies (a percentage of the value), the duty is calculated as: Duty = (Customs Value of Goods) × (Ad Valorem Rate). For example, if a shipment of machines classified under 903180 has a customs value of $10,000 USD and the applicable ad valorem duty rate is 5%, the import duty would be $10,000 × 0.05 = $500 USD. If a specific duty rate (per unit, weight, etc.) or a compound rate applies, the calculation would differ accordingly. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule for the exact duty calculation method.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU free trade agreements, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 903180?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 903180. For goods originating from countries party to agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) the EU has with third countries, preferential duty rates may apply. Often, these agreements provide for duty-free entry even if the MFN rate is not zero, or they may offer reduced rates. To claim preferential treatment, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin or origin declaration issued by the exporter.