Machinery and equipment import clearance
Machinery classification turns on function, and on whether an item is a complete machine, a part, or an accessory. Those distinctions carry real money.
Licensed U.S. customs brokerage. Customs broker of record; movement coordinated through vetted partners.
Machinery and equipment import clearance covers customs entries for industrial and commercial machinery, components and spare parts. Classification is the central issue: the tariff schedule treats complete machines, parts of machines and general-purpose components very differently, and the correct heading depends on function and construction rather than on what the item is called.
Key takeaways
- A complete machine, a part and an accessory can classify under three different headings with three different rates.
- Function usually decides classification, not the commercial name of the item.
- Machinery entries often include spare parts that classify separately from the machine.
- Steel and aluminium content can bring additional trade-remedy exposure.
- Used and refurbished equipment carries its own valuation questions.
Parts, accessories and complete machines
The tariff schedule has specific rules for parts. A component designed solely for one machine is often classified with that machine; a general-purpose item — a bearing, a fastener, a motor — usually classifies on its own terms regardless of what it will be fitted to.
Getting this wrong is common and expensive, because the rates differ and because the error repeats on every subsequent shipment of the same part.
Valuation on used equipment
Second-hand and refurbished machinery raises questions a new-goods entry does not. What was actually paid, whether the price reflects an arm's-length transaction, whether refurbishment costs form part of the value, and how to support the declared figure if CBP asks. These are answerable, but they need answering before filing rather than afterwards.
How it works
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01
Equipment specified
What the machine does, how it is constructed, and whether parts travel with it.
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02
Parts separated
Components that classify independently are identified and classified on their own terms.
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03
Classification assigned
Applying the tariff schedule's specific rules for machinery and parts.
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04
Valuation supported
Particularly for used equipment, establishing what the declared value rests on.
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05
Entry filed
Transmitted with the supporting rationale documented in case of query.
Common mistakes
- Classifying every part with the machine. General-purpose components usually classify separately.
- Using the supplier's export code. It was written for their schedule, not the U.S. one.
- Ignoring steel and aluminium content. It can bring trade-remedy exposure on the whole item.
- Thin descriptions on capital equipment. High-value goods attract more scrutiny, not less.
- Unsupported used-equipment values. A low declared price needs a documented basis.
Questions
How are machine parts classified?
It depends on the part. Components made specifically for one machine are often classified with it; general-purpose items such as bearings, motors, valves and fasteners usually classify under their own headings regardless of intended use. The tariff schedule has specific legal rules governing this.
Can I import used machinery?
Yes. The additional questions concern valuation — what was paid, whether the transaction was arm's length, and how the declared value is supported. Some equipment also raises safety or emissions requirements from other agencies.
Does machinery attract Section 301 duties?
It can, depending on the HTS code and country of origin. Many machinery headings are covered. We check before you commit to a purchase, because the difference is usually material.
What documents does a machinery entry need?
The commercial invoice and packing list, plus technical specifications describing function and construction. For used equipment, whatever supports the valuation. Specifications matter more here than for most commodities.
Related
Tell us what you're importing.
Commodity, origin, port and arrival date is enough to start.