HS 903210 Thermostats
Quick Answer: Thermostats imported under HS 903210 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 2.80% ad valorem, and the US at rates up to 40% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This code encompasses automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, such as those used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Importers should be aware of the varying tariff structures across major markets, as highlighted by CustomTariffs data. For accurate classification and duty assessment, consulting the specific tariff schedules of the importing country is crucial.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9032100000 | — | — | — |
| 9032102000 | — | — | — |
| 9032102090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9032108010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9032102010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9032100000 | — | — | — |
| 9032102000 | — | — | — |
| 9032102010 | — | — | — |
| 9032102090 | 2.80 % | — | — |
| 9032108000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90321000 | 1.7% | Free (20 programs) | — |
| 9032100030 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9032100060 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 9032100090 | — | — | ["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 9032.10?
Imports of Thermostats 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 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 903210 cover?
This subheading covers automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, specifically thermostats. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes devices designed to automatically maintain a desired temperature, often by controlling heating or cooling systems. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes, but is not limited to, bimetallic thermostats, electronic thermostats, and thermostatic expansion valves used in refrigeration and air conditioning, provided they are not specifically classified elsewhere.
What falls outside HS 903210?
The following products are excluded from HS 903210: manually operated temperature controls, such as simple dial thermostats without automatic regulation capabilities, and temperature sensors or probes that do not incorporate automatic regulating functions. Also excluded are integrated control units for appliances where the thermostat function is only a minor component, and specialized industrial process controllers that manage multiple variables beyond just temperature. For instance, a simple thermometer or a manual oven control knob would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 903210?
A common error is misclassifying complex control panels that include a thermostat function alongside other control mechanisms. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, goods composed of different materials or made of different components are classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. If the thermostat is merely one part of a larger, more complex control system, it may not be classified under 903210 but rather under the heading for the primary function of the entire apparatus.
How should importers classify products under HS 903210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 903210 involves a detailed examination of the product's primary function and construction. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes for Heading 9032. It is crucial to determine if the product is an "automatic regulating or controlling instrument" for temperature and if it possesses the essential character of a thermostat, rather than being a simple sensor or part of a more complex system.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 903210?
A programmable smart thermostat, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, 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 7.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 7.0% × $150 USD = $10.50. This rate applies to goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements or specific duty exemptions.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 903210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 903210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying thermostats originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for qualifying thermostats from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 903210 (Thermostats)?
Import duty rates for thermostats (HS code 903210) vary significantly by country. For example, the United States' Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. The European Union's TARIC system may apply rates such as 2.10% or 2.80% ad valorem, depending on specific product details and origin. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often around 1.7% ad valorem for certain origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How is the import duty for thermostats calculated under HS code 903210?
Import duty for thermostats is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of thermostats has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable duty rate is 2.10%, the import duty would be $10,000 × 0.0210 = $210. In some cases, duties might be based on a specific rate (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, depending on the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for thermostats under HS code 903210?
HS code 903210 covers 'Thermostats'. This generally includes automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, whether or not electrical, designed to maintain a desired temperature. Key classification criteria often revolve around the device's primary function of sensing temperature and automatically adjusting a system (like heating, cooling, or ventilation) to maintain that temperature. Devices that merely indicate temperature without automatic control are typically classified elsewhere.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for thermostats (HS 903210)?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for thermostats. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), thermostats originating from Canada or Mexico may benefit from duty-free treatment (0.00%). The EU has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Japan, South Korea, and others, which can reduce or eliminate duties on thermostats originating from those partner nations. The UK also has a network of FTAs post-Brexit. Importers must verify the origin of the goods and ensure they meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the relevant trade agreement to claim preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required for importing thermostats under HS code 903210?
Standard import documentation for thermostats (HS 903210) generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific type of thermostat, additional documentation may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, product safety certifications (e.g., CE marking for the EU, UL listing for the US), or specific declarations related to electrical components or hazardous materials if applicable. Customs brokers should be consulted for the precise requirements of the destination country.