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84287000
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOFOther lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery (for example, lifts, escalators, conveyors, teleferics)

Industrial robots

Standard EU duty
0%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
54 docs
C067Y069Y949X060X061X062+48
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%AD 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%KE 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%MX 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XL 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

DEgold108/24-1

Industrial robot for lifting and transporting pallets

metalGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold855/25-1

Autonomous mobile robot with robotic arm

metalGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold415/24-1

Pallet handling robot system

metalGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold657/25-1

Autonomous mobile robot for material handling

metalGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold127/24-1

Industrial robot for package handling

metalGRI 1GRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Definition and scope of subheading 842870

Subheading 842870 of the Combined Nomenclature covers industrial robots, defined as automatically controlled, programmable, multipurpose manipulators capable of movement in at least three axes. This category includes articulated robots (6-axis), SCARA robots, Cartesian (gantry) robots, delta robots, welding robots, palletising robots, assembly robots, painting robots and collaborative robots (cobots). Industrial robots are a key element of production automation in the automotive, electronics, food and metals industries. Classification requires distinguishing from automated guided vehicles (842790), CNC-controlled machines (other heading 84 positions) and electronic control devices (Chapter 85). The criterion is multipurpose manipulation capability. The GIR, rules 1 and 6, form the basis for classification.

Import requirements and regulations for industrial robots (842870)

Importing industrial robots under subheading 842870 into the European Union is governed by the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. Industrial robots must have an EU declaration of conformity and CE marking. The 2023 Machinery Regulation introduces new requirements for cybersecurity and safety of autonomous systems. Collaborative robots (cobots) designed for work without safety fencing are subject to enhanced safety requirements under ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066. The importer must hold an EORI number. Required documents include a commercial invoice, transport document, technical specification with payload, reach and axes parameters, CE declaration, risk assessment documentation and proof of origin.

Customs duties and trade measures for subheading 842870

MFN duty rates for industrial robots under subheading 842870 should be verified in the current TARIC database. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs. Industrial robots are high-value, high-technology goods. The customs value should include the robot, controller, software and standard accessories. Imports from Japan, South Korea and China represent the main trade flows. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions. Export of robots to certain countries may be subject to dual-use controls. National VAT is charged. All rates should be verified in TARIC.

EU safety certification requirements for CN 8428 70

Importing industrial robots under CN 8428 70 requires compliance with stringent EU safety frameworks. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, replacing Directive 2006/42/EC, mandates CE marking, an EU declaration of conformity, and technical documentation. Lifting equipment falls under the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU, requiring notified body involvement in conformity assessment. Installations in explosive atmospheres need ATEX certification under Directive 2014/34/EU. The manufacturer or authorised representative in the EU bears responsibility for the conformity assessment procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What products are covered by subheading 842870?
Subheading 842870 covers industrial robots - programmable, multipurpose manipulators. Typical products include 6-axis articulated robots, SCARA, Cartesian, delta, cobots, welding and palletising robots. CNC machines are classified under other heading 84 positions, AGVs under 842790. The criterion is multipurpose manipulation capability. Duty rates in TARIC.
What CE requirements apply to industrial robots (842870)?
Industrial robots are subject to the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requiring CE marking and a declaration of conformity. Cobots are subject to ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative robot safety. The new Machinery Regulation introduces cybersecurity requirements. The importer is responsible for technical documentation and risk assessment.
How to classify collaborative robots (cobots)?
Collaborative robots (cobots) are classified under subheading 842870 as industrial robots if they meet the criteria of a programmable, multipurpose manipulator. Cobots designed for direct human collaboration are subject to enhanced safety requirements. The key factor is the robot function as an autonomous manipulator. A BTI ruling is recommended where doubt exists.
Do industrial robots (8428 70) require notified body involvement?
Notified body involvement is required for lifting equipment under the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and machinery in ATEX zones (Directive 2014/34/EU).