HS 8481.80 sits in the industrial parts & components family. The code describes the product family; the duty outcome also depends on origin, value, the national tariff line and any measures in force on the date of entry.
Same goods, three borders
The comparison below holds the shipment constant: 500 new industrial parts, $20,000 FOB from China, sea freight, FOB terms. Only the destination changes.
| Border | Duty band | VAT | Additional measures | Sample landed | Per unit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 0%–3.9% | None | Section 301 tariff (China-origin) · 25% | $31,146 | $62 | Route file → |
| UAE | 5% | 5% | None modelled | $25,313 | $51 | Route file → |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | 15% | None modelled | $28,230 | $56 | Route file → |
Category planning bands, not binding rates for this six-digit code. Confirm the 8–10 digit national line before relying on a number.
Why the code alone is not enough
A part is classified by what it is and where it fits. The same machined item can be a part of a machine, a vehicle or an electrical assembly. Mixed consignments need separate lines. Sample sets and low-value kits may be valued differently.
The US model also applies Merchandise Processing Fee and Harbor Maintenance Fee; the UAE applies 5% VAT; Saudi Arabia applies 15% VAT. That is why the same FOB value produces three different landed totals even when the duty band looks similar.
What to send a broker
- Product name, model number, catalogue and clear photos.
- Material, function and intended use — the facts that decide the chapter and subheading.
- Origin, supplier invoice, freight and insurance evidence for the customs value.
- A proposed national tariff line and the reason you chose it.
- For parts & components, any conformity, labelling, inspection or registration documents the destination requires.
Common questions
What does HS 8481.80 cover?
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances. The six-digit line is a starting point for classification. National tariff lines extend it to 8 or 10 digits, and that national line is what usually determines the duty rate.
What duty applies in the US, UAE and Saudi Arabia?
The planning bands for this category are US 0%–3.9%, UAE 5%, and Saudi Arabia 5%. These are category bands, not binding rates for this code.
Is the HS code enough to calculate landed cost?
No. You also need origin, customs value, freight and insurance, the exact national tariff line, and any additional measures. The calculator combines those inputs; classification alone does not settle the total.
What should I send a broker for a ruling?
Product name, material, function, intended use, model number, catalogue, photos and the proposed code. For machinery, include the power source and what the machine does; for audio, include whether it is a complete system, a speaker or an amplifier.
Why do the three borders show different totals?
Duty bands, VAT rates and local charges differ. The US model includes MPF and HMF and no federal VAT; the UAE applies 5% VAT; Saudi Arabia applies 15% VAT. The same FOB value therefore produces three different landed totals.
Route files using this family
What this page does not decide
It does not issue a classification, confirm origin, determine the customs value or replace a licensed broker. Use it to frame the conversation, then confirm the national line and measures before you contract.