HS Code 8479: Industrial machinery

Complete import guide for HS code 8479, 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 8479 imports.

Product Definition

HS Code: 8479 Category: Machinery Electrical Description: Industrial machinery

The Harmonized System (HS) code 8479 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 | $22.09B | | Number of Exporting Countries | 8 | | Tariff Range | Infinity% - -Infinity% | | Top Exporter | CHINA |

Tariff Rates by Country

The United States applies different tariff rates to HS 8479 depending on the origin country and applicable trade agreements:

| 1 | CHINA | $7.06B | See details | | 2 | JAPAN | $4.83B | See details | | 3 | ITALY | $4.24B | See details | | 4 | UNITED KINGDOM | $2.53B | See details | | 5 | FRANCE | $1.14B | See details | | 6 | NETHERLANDS | $1.01B | See details | | 7 | BELGIUM | $704.69M | See details | | 8 | AUSTRALIA | $573.82M | 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: $7.06B
• Tariff Rate: See details
• Major Supplier: Primary source of HS 8479 imports to the US

2. JAPAN

• Trade Value: $4.83B
• Tariff Rate: See details

3. ITALY

• Trade Value: $4.24B
• Tariff Rate: See details

4. UNITED KINGDOM

• Trade Value: $2.53B
• Tariff Rate: See details

5. FRANCE

• Trade Value: $1.14B
• Tariff Rate: See details

Tariff Strategies

1. USMCA Qualification

Products imported from Mexico or Canada under HS 8479 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 8479 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 8479 tariff rates can change due to trade policy shifts

Solution: Use tariff prediction markets to hedge:

Example Hedge:

• Exposure: $5M annual HS 8479 imports
• Current Tariff: Infinity--Infinity%
• Risk: Tariffs increase to 75%
• Hedge: Buy "HS 8479 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 8479

Step 1: Review USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule Step 2: Identify key product characteristics (material, function, end use) Step 3: Compare with HS 8479 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 8479 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
• JAPAN 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 (-Infinity%): $-Infinity
• Total Duty Owed: $-Infinity

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