HS 988090 Classified in Chapter 90
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988090 enter the UK and EU with no specific duty rates listed in the provided tariff data. This code is a placeholder, indicating that the actual classification falls 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. Importers and customs brokers should consult the detailed subheadings within Chapter 90 for the correct classification and applicable duty rates in their specific jurisdiction. According to CustomTariffs data, further investigation into the specific product's characteristics is essential to determine the precise HS code and associated tariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880900000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880900000 | — | — | — |
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 988090 cover?
This subheading covers products classified within Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, which pertains to optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. This broad category includes items such as microscopes, telescopes, cameras, projectors, medical diagnostic equipment, and precision measuring tools, as detailed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and reflected in national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 988090?
The following products are excluded from HS 988090: items that, while potentially precise, do not fit the specific definitions of Chapter 90, such as general-purpose tools (Chapter 82), electronic components not forming part of an instrument (Chapter 85), or finished goods where the instrument aspect is secondary. For instance, a simple magnifying glass for general reading would be classified differently than a high-powered optical microscope for laboratory use, which would fall under Chapter 90.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988090?
A common error is misinterpreting the primary function of an item. For example, classifying a medical device that also has a significant data processing component under HS 988090 when its primary function is diagnostic, rather than classifying it as an electronic data processing machine (Chapter 84). Adherence to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 3, is crucial to ensure correct classification based on essential character.
How should importers classify products under HS 988090?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988090 involves a thorough review of the product's specifications, intended use, and composition against the descriptive text and legal notes of Chapter 90 in the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the UK Trade Tariff. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and, if necessary, seek a binding ruling from customs authorities to confirm the correct classification before shipment.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988090?
A digital thermometer for medical use, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would typically attract a US Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0% ad valorem under the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Therefore, the duty amount would be $0.00 (0% × $50). This calculation is based on the specific classification within Chapter 90, often falling under headings like 9018 for medical instruments, where the MFN rate is often preferential.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988090?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988090, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods. For goods originating in Canada or Mexico, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries, requiring appropriate proof of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical duty rates applicable to goods classified under HS code 988090?
HS code 988090 is a special statistical or administrative code, often used in specific national tariff systems (like the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule) to denote items classified elsewhere in Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System (HS). Therefore, the actual duty rates are determined by the specific HS code within Chapter 90 that the product ultimately falls under. For example, a medical instrument classified under 9018.11.00 in the US will have a duty rate specified for that code, not for 988090 itself. Importers must consult the primary HS code classification for their product to ascertain the correct duty rate, which can range from 0% to over 10% depending on the product and country of origin. Always refer to the official tariff schedule of the importing country for precise rates.
How is the duty calculated for a product that falls under the scope of HS code 988090?
Since HS 988090 is a statistical or administrative code, the duty calculation is based on the actual classification code within Chapter 90. Let's assume a specific medical device, classified under a sub-heading within Chapter 90, has a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.5% ad valorem. If the declared value of the shipment is $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.045 (Duty Rate) = $450 USD. If the duty were based on a specific rate (e.g., $2 per unit), and the shipment contained 500 units, the duty would be: 500 (Units) × $2 (Rate per Unit) = $1,000 USD. The specific method (ad valorem, specific, or compound) and rate are found under the product's definitive HS classification.
Are there preferential duty rates available for goods classified under HS code 988090 through trade agreements?
Preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 988090 are contingent upon the specific HS classification within Chapter 90 and the terms of applicable trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries that are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) might qualify for reduced or zero duty rates, provided they meet the rules of origin for that agreement. Importers must verify the origin of their goods and consult the relevant trade agreement schedules and the importing country's tariff database to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 988090?
When importing goods that fall under the scope of HS code 988090, the primary documentation requirement is the accurate declaration of the specific HS code within Chapter 90 that the product is classified under. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and potentially certificates of origin to claim preferential treatment. Depending on the specific product within Chapter 90 (e.g., medical devices, optical instruments), additional permits, licenses, or certifications from regulatory bodies (such as the FDA in the US or equivalent agencies) may be necessary to ensure compliance with health, safety, and technical standards.
What are the key classification criteria for determining the specific HS code within Chapter 90 that HS 988090 refers to?
HS code 988090 itself does not have classification criteria as it's a statistical or administrative placeholder. The classification criteria are defined by the specific six-digit HS code within Chapter 90 that accurately describes the imported article. These criteria are based on the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, general rules of interpretation, and national tariff rulings. Key factors include the article's function, its constituent materials, its degree of completion, and its intended use. For example, within Chapter 90, instruments are differentiated by their specific application (e.g., measuring, checking, analyzing, medical, optical, photographic). Importers and brokers must meticulously analyze the product's technical specifications and intended use against the headings and subheadings within Chapter 90 to arrive at the correct, definitive classification.