HS 903190 Parts and accessories
Quick Answer: Parts and accessories for measuring or checking instruments, machines, and apparatus not elsewhere specified or included, imported under HS 903190, enter the UK duty-free, the EU duty-free, and the US with a range of rates, including 45% and free, depending on the specific part. This classification applies to components and supplementary items designed to be used with the instruments covered by HS heading 9031, such as parts for optical instruments or machines for checking the dimensional features of materials. Importers should consult specific tariff schedules for precise duty rates, as the US, in particular, has multiple subheadings with varying duties. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of accurate classification for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9031900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9031900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9031902100 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 903190 | — | — | — |
| 9031904500 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 9031905400 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 9031907000 | Free | — | ["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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 903190 cover?
This subheading covers parts and accessories specifically designed for machines and appliances of heading 9031, which are used for measuring or checking geometrical quantities. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes components such as specialized probes, measuring heads, calibration fixtures, and mounting hardware that are integral to the functioning of optical, photographic, or other measuring and checking instruments. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that these items must be dedicated solely to the operation of the machines described in heading 9031.
What falls outside HS 903190?
The following products are excluded from HS 903190: general-purpose tools or workshop equipment not specifically designed for machines of heading 9031, such as standard screwdrivers or wrenches, and spare parts for unrelated machinery. Also excluded are complete machines or appliances of heading 9031 themselves, or parts and accessories for measuring or checking electrical quantities (which fall under Chapter 85). For instance, a generic digital multimeter or a standard laboratory stand would not be classified here, even if used in proximity to a measuring instrument.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 903190?
A common error is classifying general-purpose components or accessories as specific parts for machines of heading 9031. This often occurs when an item could be used with multiple types of equipment. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification should be based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If an item is not specifically designed for a machine of heading 9031, it should be classified under a more general heading, such as tools or general machine parts.
How should importers classify products under HS 903190?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 903190 involves a detailed examination of the item's intended use and design. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain if the part or accessory is exclusively intended for use with a measuring or checking instrument of heading 9031. This requires consulting technical specifications, product literature, and potentially the manufacturer's declarations. Cross-referencing with the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is crucial to confirm the correct subheading and any associated notes.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 903190?
A set of 10 specialized optical probes, weighing 2.5 kg in total and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 9031.90.90.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 903190?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 903190, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free duty for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty for eligible originating goods from developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement terms.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 903190 (Parts and accessories for measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines)?
Import duty rates for HS code 903190 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is often 0.00% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, rates can also be 0.00% ad valorem for many origins, but specific trade agreements or origin countries may apply different rates. The UK Trade Tariff also lists various rates, often Free for goods from certain preferential origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your goods and origin.
How is the duty for HS code 903190 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 903190 typically depends on the applicable duty rate, which is usually an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods). For instance, if a country applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty on parts for measuring instruments, and you import a shipment valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 3.5% of $10,000 = $350 USD. Some specific parts might also have specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, so always verify the exact duty calculation method in the importing country's tariff.
What documentation is typically required when importing parts and accessories classified under HS code 903190?
When importing goods under HS code 903190, standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the parts; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the nature of the parts, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For certain specialized measuring instrument parts, additional declarations or certifications attesting to compliance with specific technical standards might be requested by customs authorities.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements, affect the duty rates for HS code 903190?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 903190. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), eligible parts and accessories originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for duty-free treatment (0.00% ad valorem) when imported into the United States, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries, which can reduce or eliminate duties on goods classified under 903190 if they originate from those partner countries and meet the respective FTA's origin criteria. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key criteria for classifying an item as 'parts and accessories' under HS code 903190, as opposed to a finished instrument?
The classification of an item under HS code 903190 hinges on whether it is specifically designed for use with measuring or checking instruments, appliances, and machines falling under headings 9017 to 9030, and is not itself primarily classifiable as a part of a machine of another chapter. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes, 'parts and accessories' are generally considered items that, while not being complete machines themselves, are essential for the operation or functioning of the machines they are intended for. They should not have a function independent of the machine. For example, a specialized probe for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) would likely be classified here, whereas a general-purpose computer used to control the CMM might not be, unless specifically designed and solely for that CMM's operation.