Master Tariff Table — German Machinery by HTS Code
| HTS Code | Machinery Category | Base Duty | Section 232/301? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8412.21 – 8412.90 | Hydraulic power engines, motors | Free | Section 232 possible on castings |
| 8419 | Industrial heat exchangers, furnaces | Free – 4.2% | Section 232 on steel |
| 8421 | Centrifuges, filters, separators | Free – 2.4% | — |
| 8422 | Packaging machinery | Free – 2.8% | — |
| 8424 | Spraying / coating machinery | 1.8% – 3.7% | — |
| 8426 – 8430 | Cranes, lifting, earth-moving | Free – 2.9% | Section 232 on steel |
| 8441 | Paper / pulp / cellulose machinery | Free | — |
| 8443 | Printing machinery | Free – 2.2% | — |
| 8456 | Laser / EDM / waterjet cutting | Free – 4.4% | — |
| 8457 | Machining centers | Free – 4.4% | — |
| 8458 – 8463 | Lathes, mills, boring, presses | Free – 4.4% | Section 232 on presses (steel) |
| 8465 | Woodworking machinery | Free – 3.0% | — |
| 8474 | Cement / mineral processing | Free | Section 232 possible |
| 8477 | Plastics / rubber machinery (incl. injection molding) | Free – 3.1% | — |
| 8479.89 | Special-purpose machines (assembly, automation) | Free – 2.5% | — |
| 8481 | Valves, taps, cocks (industrial) | 2.0% – 3.0% | Section 232 on steel valves |
| 8482 | Ball / roller bearings | 5.6% – 9.0% | AD/CVD watch |
| 8483 | Gears, shafts, couplings | 2.5% – 3.6% | — |
| 8501 – 8502 | Electric motors, generators, wind turbines | Free – 2.5% | — |
| 8502.31 | Wind-powered generating sets | 2.5% | — |
| 8515 | Welding equipment | 1.6% – 3.5% | — |
| 9024, 9026, 9031 | Test/measurement instruments | Free – 1.7% | — |
Section 232 Steel Tariff — When It Applies
Section 232 (Trade Expansion Act 1962) imposes 25% tariff on imported steel products. It can affect German machinery when:
- The machine's HTS falls under Chapter 72 or 73 (steel products, structural steel)
- CBP classifies the shipment as a "steel derivative" (e.g., certain fasteners, structural pieces)
- Aluminum content triggers Section 232 aluminum tariff (10%)
Standalone integrated machinery (Chapter 84) generally escapes Section 232 even if it contains substantial steel. However, imports of unassembled tower sections, fabricated foundations, or press frames shipped separately may be reclassified. Get a binding ruling if in doubt.
Section 301 China Exposure
German-assembled machines with significant Chinese-origin sub-components can trigger Section 301 exposure if the substantial transformation test fails. Common flags:
- PLCs from Chinese factories embedded in German machines
- Servo motors labeled "Made in Germany" but assembled from Chinese windings
- Electronic drives sourced from Chinese OEMs
Ask your German supplier for a country-of-origin declaration per part number and a Manufacturer's Affidavit for the assembly.
Fees Beyond Duty (Every Shipment)
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% ad valorem, min $32.71 / max $538.40 per entry
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% ad valorem (ocean only, no cap)
- Customs Bond: $250–$800 single entry, or $450–$700 annual continuous
- Broker fee: $150–$500 per entry, more for PGA-heavy imports
- ISF filing: $35–$65
- Terminal handling (US port): $350–$650 per 40' HC
Duty-Free Programs That Rarely Apply to Germany
Since Germany is not a US free-trade partner (GSP does not apply, USMCA is Mexico/Canada, KORUS is Korea, DR-CAFTA is Central America), most tariff-preference programs do not apply. Exceptions:
- Chapter 98 (goods returned): US-origin goods sent to Germany for repair can re-enter under 9802.00.40 with duty only on the labor/parts added
- Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB): Duty-free entry for trade shows, testing, repair (up to 1 year, bondable)
- Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ): Defers duty until goods leave the FTZ; useful for reprocessing / assembly operations
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Request Free QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a tariff on German machinery imported to the USA? Most German machinery under HTS Chapters 84 and 85 has a 0–4.4% Most-Favored-Nation duty. Section 232 (25% steel) applies only when the HTS classification falls under Chapter 72 or 73, or when CBP designates the item as a steel derivative.
What is the tariff on wind turbines from Germany? Wind-powered generating sets are classified under HTS 8502.31 and carry a 2.5% Most-Favored-Nation duty. Nacelles imported separately typically fall under 8503 (turbine parts) at 2.9%. Tower sections may fall under 7308.20 and could face Section 232 steel tariff of 25%.
How do I get a binding tariff ruling from CBP? Submit Form CBP 19 or an electronic ruling request through the eRulings portal. Provide product specs, technical drawings, and proposed HTS classification. Response time: 30–90 days. The ruling is binding on all US ports of entry for 3–5 years.
Does the EU-US trade agreement eliminate machinery tariffs? No. Germany imports to the USA are treated as MFN (Most-Favored-Nation), not preferential. Individual tariff line items may be duty-free based on HTS classification, but there is no blanket EU-USA free trade agreement covering industrial machinery.
German Industry Hub connects international buyers with verified German industrial manufacturers. Written by Arshiya Sabaghi. Last updated: August 23, 2026.