HS Code 8421: Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof:
Complete import guide for HS code 8421, including tariff rates by country, trade volumes, classification guidance, and hedging strategies.
Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to protect against tariff changes affecting HS 8421 imports.
Product Definition
HS Code: 8421 Category: Machinery Electrical Description: Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof:
The Harmonized System (HS) code 8421 is used globally for customs classification, duty assessment, and trade statistics. Proper classification is critical for compliance and cost optimization.
US Import Overview (2023)
| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Total US Imports | $34.96B | | Number of Exporting Countries | 7 | | Tariff Range | 0% - 0% | | Top Exporter | China |
Tariff Rates by Country
The United States applies different tariff rates to HS 8421 depending on the origin country and applicable trade agreements:
| 1 | China | $19.70B | 0% | | 2 | United Kingdom | $6.16B | 0% | | 3 | Italy | $3.68B | 0% | | 4 | France | $3.11B | 0% | | 5 | Netherlands | $1.38B | 0% | | 6 | Belgium | $527.72M | 0% | | 7 | AUSTRALIA | $399.75M | See details |
Note: Tariff rates shown are effective tariff rates (ETR) including MFN base rates plus any Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs.
Top Exporting Countries
1. China
- Trade Value: $19.70B
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- Major Supplier: Primary source of HS 8421 imports to the US
- View Details: CN-US tariff page
2. United Kingdom
- Trade Value: $6.16B
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- View Details: GB-US tariff page
3. Italy
- Trade Value: $3.68B
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- View Details: IT-US tariff page
4. France
- Trade Value: $3.11B
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- View Details: FR-US tariff page
5. Netherlands
- Trade Value: $1.38B
- Tariff Rate: 0%
- View Details: NL-US tariff page
Tariff Strategies
1. USMCA Qualification
Products imported from Mexico or Canada under HS 8421 can qualify for 0% tariffs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Requirements:
- Substantial transformation in USMCA country
- Certificate of Origin (USMCA form)
- Rules of origin compliance
Learn more: USMCA Qualification Guide
2. Sourcing Diversification
Reduce tariff concentration risk by sourcing HS 8421 from multiple countries:
Example Strategy:
- 40% from USMCA countries (0% tariff)
- 30% from low-tariff countries (0-15%)
- 30% from China or high-tariff sources (25-50%)
Blended Tariff Rate: Calculate weighted average based on sourcing mix
3. Tariff Hedging with Prediction Markets
Problem: HS 8421 tariff rates can change due to trade policy shifts
Solution: Use tariff prediction markets to hedge:
Example Hedge:
- Exposure: $5M annual HS 8421 imports
- Current Tariff: 0-0%
- Risk: Tariffs increase to 75%
- Hedge: Buy "HS 8421 Tariff > 60%" position
- If tariffs increase: Payout offsets higher costs
- If tariffs decrease: Premium < savings from lower rates
Classification Guidance
How to Classify Products Under HS 8421
Step 1: Review USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule Step 2: Identify key product characteristics (material, function, end use) Step 3: Compare with HS 8421 description and subheadings Step 4: Consult with licensed customs broker if uncertain
Important: Misclassification can result in incorrect duty payments, compliance penalties, and delayed shipments.
Common Classification Issues
- Similar HS Codes: Compare with related codes to ensure correct classification
- Multi-Component Products: Determine principal function for classification
- Subheading Selection: 6-digit HS code may have multiple 8-10 digit subheadings
Resource: USITC HTS Database
Trade Agreement Benefits
Products classified under HS 8421 may qualify for preferential tariff rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)
- Tariff: 0% (duty-free)
- Countries: Mexico, Canada
- Requirement: Certificate of Origin
Other FTAs
Check if your supplier country has an FTA with the US:
- Korea FTA: Often 0% or reduced rates
- Australia FTA: Many products duty-free
- Singapore FTA: Duty-free for most goods
Related Resources
- Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management guide
- Section 301 Tariffs Explained - China trade actions
- USMCA Qualification - 0% tariff requirements
- China Trade Profile - Bilateral trade data
- United Kingdom Trade Profile - Bilateral trade data
- Italy Trade Profile - Bilateral trade data
Compliance & Documentation
Required Import Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Packing List
- Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501)
- Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA benefits)
Customs Valuation
US Customs determines dutiable value based on:
- Transaction value (price paid)
- Plus: Freight, insurance, assists, royalties
- Tariff applied to dutiable value
Example Calculation:
- FOB Price: $10,000
- Ocean Freight: $1,500
- Insurance: $100
- Dutiable Value: $11,600
- Tariff (0%): $0
- Total Duty Owed: $0
Sources
- U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) HTS Database
- U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
- Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Ballast Markets trade analysis
Risk Disclosure
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy. Product classification must be verified with licensed customs brokers. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.
Disclaimer
Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. HS code data is sourced from USITC and U.S. Census Bureau but may contain errors or be outdated. For compliance and sourcing decisions, always verify with official sources and qualified customs brokers.
Last updated: 2025-11-04