Harmonized System Codes • Schedule B • Harmonized Commodity Description

HS Code 84531000: Machinery for preparing, tanning or working hides, skins, or leather

The HS Code 84531000 refers to machinery used for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather. This code is an important classification for international trade, as it helps in the identification of specific goods and their associated tariffs, duties, and preferences.

The product description for HS Code 84531000 includes machinery that is specifically designed for the processing and treatment of hides, skins, and leather. This machinery plays a crucial role in the leather industry, where it is used for various processes such as cleaning, drying, tanning, and finishing.

When importing or exporting goods classified under HS Code 84531000, it is essential to be aware of the applicable duty rates. The bound or Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for this particular code is free, which means that there are no tariffs or duties imposed on the import or export of these goods.

Trade barriers are restrictions or limitations imposed by countries to protect their domestic industries. When a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up its market, it is obligated to do so for the same goods or services from all its trading partners, as per the principle of Most Favored Nation (MFN) treatment. This ensures equal treatment for all trading partners and promotes fair competition.

For HS Code 84531000, several special tariff preference programs are available, providing specific benefits to certain countries. These programs include:

• Australia Special Rate: Australia enjoys a special rate under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which grants duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather.
• Bahrain Special Rate: Bahrain benefits from a special rate, which allows duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery falling under HS Code 84531000.
• NAFTA for Canada: Canada, as a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), receives duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather.
• Chile Special Rate: Chile has a special rate that provides duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery classified under HS Code 84531000.
• Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI): Participating countries in the Caribbean Basin Initiative, such as the Dominican Republic, receive duty-free treatment for machinery used in the preparation, tanning, or working of hides, skins, or leather.
• Israel Special Rate: Israel benefits from duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery falling under HS Code 84531000, thanks to a special rate.
• Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA): Countries in the Andean region, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, enjoy duty-free treatment for machinery used in the preparation, tanning, or working of hides, skins, or leather.
• Jordan Special Rate: Jordan has a special rate that provides duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery classified under HS Code 84531000.
• Morocco Special Rate: Morocco benefits from a special rate, which allows duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery falling under HS Code 84531000.
• NAFTA for Mexico: Mexico, as a member of NAFTA, receives duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather.
• Oman Special Rate: Oman enjoys a special rate that provides duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery classified under HS Code 84531000.
• Dominican Republic-Central American Special Rate (DR-CAFTA): Participating countries in the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement, such as Costa Rica and El Salvador, receive duty-free treatment for machinery used in the preparation, tanning, or working of hides, skins, or leather.
• Peru Special Rate: Peru has a special rate that allows duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery falling under HS Code 84531000.
• Singapore Special Rate: Singapore benefits from duty-free treatment for imports and exports of machinery used in the preparation, tanning, or working of hides, skins, or leather, thanks to a special rate.

In the United States, different states may have varying levels of import and export activity for machinery classified under HS Code 84531000. Some of the notable importing states include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. These states have a significant presence in the leather industry and may have higher demand for machinery related to hide and leather processing.

On the other hand, when it comes to exporting machinery falling under HS Code 84531000, states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan are prominent. These states are known for their leather production and may export processing machinery to cater to the global market.

Overall, HS Code 84531000 plays a crucial role in the international trade of machinery for preparing, tanning, or working hides, skins, or leather. Understanding the duty rates, special tariff preference programs, and the importing and exporting states can help businesses make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the global leather industry.