Analysis
HTS 8423.81.00 covers having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg under heading 8423 (weighing machinery (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better), including…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 5 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to 2.9%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8423.89.90 (other: other), at 2.9%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 2.9 percentage points.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 45% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 45% duty.
Goods classified here enter the United States duty-free at the general (normal trade relations) rate, as do about 61% of the 823 tariff lines in chapter 84. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.
The ten-digit suffixes separate counting scales, retail scales, non-computing and retail scales, computing. The duty is the same across them; the suffix matters for statistics, licensing and some quotas, and an entry needs all ten digits.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8423.10.00 | Personal weighing machines, including baby scales; household scales | Free |
| 8423.20.10 | Using electronic means for gauging weights | Free |
| 8423.20.90 | Scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors: other | 2.9% |
| 8423.30.00 | Constant-weight scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container, including hopper scales | Free |
| 8423.82.00 | Having a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 30 kg but not exceeding 5,000 kg | Free |
| 8423.89.10 | Using electronic means for gauging | Free |
| 8423.89.90 | Other: other | 2.9% |
| 8423.90.10 | Parts of weighing machinery using electronic means for gauging weight, excluding parts of machines for weighing motor vehicles | Free |
| 8423.90.90 | Weighing machine weights of all kinds; parts of weighing machinery: other | 2.8% |