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84
Tariff Chapter 84
Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases
What does heading 8421 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 8421 covers centrifuges (including centrifugal dryers), filtering or purifying machinery for liquids and gases. This includes industrial filters, water purifiers, separators, and centrifugal clothes dryers. Duty rates vary depending on the specific type of equipment. Products must meet EU machinery safety standards (Machinery Directive) and CE marking requirements. Drinking water treatment devices are subject to additional sanitary regulations. Poland is a significant importer of filtration equipment and industrial centrifuges, used in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental protection sectors. Heading 8421 is part of Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 8421 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 8421 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8421
Duty rates vary depending on the specific type of equipment. Products must meet EU machinery safety standards (Machinery Directive) and CE marking requirements. Poland is a significant importer of filtration equipment and industrial centrifuges, used in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental protection sectors. Duty rates depend on subheading - verify exact CN classification of the device. CE marking and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC compliance required. Centrifuges may be subject to export controls (dual-use) - check licensing requirements. Drinking water treatment devices require additional sanitary approvals. When importing goods under heading 8421 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 8421 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).
Classification of goods under heading 8421 - key considerations
Heading 8421 covers centrifuges, centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery for liquids and gases. Key: mechanical separation (not chemical). Includes oil, fuel, and air filters, milk separators, and water purification equipment. Common mistake: bag filters are 8421; distillation columns are 8419.
Frequently asked questions
What EU customs duty rates apply to centrifuges and filters under heading 8421?
Customs duty rates for centrifuges, filtering and purifying machinery under heading 8421 range from 0% to 2.7% depending on the device type. Laboratory and industrial centrifuges may carry 0%-1.7% duty. Water filters and purifiers up to 1.7%. Milk separators and food centrifuges 0%-1.5%. Centrifugal clothes dryers are classified here at 2.7% duty. Preferential rates apply for countries with EU trade agreements. CN classification depends on the medium (liquid or gas) being processed and the application. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required for importing centrifuges and filters into the EU?
Importing centrifuges and filtering equipment requires a customs declaration, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and technical documentation. Devices must comply with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and carry CE marking. Drinking water filters must meet materials-in-contact-with-water standards. Laboratory centrifuges may be subject to medical device regulations. ATEX zone equipment requires explosion-proof certification. An EU declaration of conformity is mandatory. This applies to goods classified under heading 8421 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing centrifuges and filters?
When importing equipment under heading 8421, distinguishing between liquid and gas filtering devices is critical as they have different CN subheadings. Laboratory and industrial centrifuges are classified differently. Vehicle air filters may fall under a different subheading (8421 with exhaust filter sub-classification). Household water purifiers must meet sanitary standards. Transporting centrifuges requires special care due to precision rotating components. Replacement filters are classified as parts. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
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