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84
Tariff Chapter 84
Steam or other vapour generating boilers (other than central heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low pressure steam); superheated water boilers
840219
Other vapour generating boilers, including hybrid boilers
Duty:0-2,7%
What does heading 8402 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 8402 covers steam or other vapour generating boilers, other than central heating boilers; super-heated water boilers. Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof. These machines constitute key industrial equipment used in energy, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, food processing, textiles and mechanical engineering. Customs duty rates are generally 0% to 4.5% depending on the specific product and its intended use. Import of machinery and mechanical appliances requires compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (CE marking) and meeting safety requirements. Used machinery must have a declaration of conformity. Heading 8402 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 8402 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.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8402
Customs duty rates are generally 0% to 4.5% depending on the specific product and its intended use. Import of machinery and mechanical appliances requires compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (CE marking) and meeting safety requirements. Import of certain machinery may benefit from duty suspensions or tariff quotas. Import of machinery under heading 8402 requires compliance with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and CE marking. Used machinery imported into the EU must have an EC declaration of conformity and meet current safety standards. Check whether a duty suspension or tariff quota applies (EU autonomous tariff measures). Documentation must include operating instructions in the language of the destination country and an EC declaration of conformity. When importing goods under heading 8402 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 8402 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 8402 — key considerations
Heading 8402 covers steam boilers (steam generators) other than central heating boilers (8403). The decisive factor is the ability to produce pressurized steam. Water-tube and fire-tube boilers are classified here regardless of capacity. Superheaters also fall under this heading. Common mistake: heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) belong in 8402, not 8404.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU customs duty rates for steam boilers under heading 8402?
Customs duty rates for steam or other vapour generating boilers (excluding central heating boilers) and super-heated water boilers under heading 8402 range from 0% to 2.7% depending on type and intended use. Large industrial steam boilers for power generation often benefit from lower rates. Classification requires distinguishing between water-tube boilers (8402 11-12), other steam boilers (8402 19-20), and parts (8402 90). Preferential rates are available for countries with EU trade agreements. 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 steam boilers into the EU?
Steam boiler imports require a customs declaration with CN code (heading 8402), commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and comprehensive technical documentation. Compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive PED (2014/68/EU), CE marking, and declaration of conformity are mandatory. Boilers must hold a type-examination certificate from a notified body. Documentation must include strength calculations, construction drawings, pressure test reports, and material certificates per EN 10204. 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 to steam boiler imports — transport and technical acceptance?
Steam boilers are large equipment requiring specialized transport — often oversized transport with appropriate permits. Installation and commissioning require supervision by the national technical inspection authority. Customs inspection includes verification of technical documentation, certificates, and PED compliance. Before operation, the boiler must pass technical acceptance testing. Specialized transport costs should be factored into the customs value calculation as they form part of the transaction value. This applies to goods classified under heading 8402 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.
Useful tools & resources
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