Importing Machinery from China: Duties & HTS Codes 2026
Industrial machinery from China pays roughly 37.5–42% in total US duty in 2026 — Section 301 List 1 (25%) on top of MFN and the 12.5% forced-labor tariff. Taiwan and Germany pay a 10% combined floor, Japan and Korea 12.5%.
Check exclusions product by product. Only narrowly described machinery exclusions exist, and they don't remove the forced-labor tariff. A $500,000 CNC machining centre from China carries about $208,500 in US duty; from Taiwan or Germany about $50,000. Those origins are significantly cheaper sources for precision equipment.
Machinery from China — US Import Duty Table 2026
| Product | HTS | MFN | §301 | Forced-labor | 2026 Total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC machining centers | 8457.10 | 4.2% | 25% | 12.5% | 41.7% | List 1 25%; precision mfg equipment |
| Metalworking lathes | 8458.11 | 4.4% | 25% | 12.5% | 41.9% | List 1 25% |
| Injection molding machines | 8477.10 | 3.1% | 25% | 12.5% | 40.6% | List 1 25%; plastics machinery |
| Industrial presses / stamping | 8462.61 | 4.4% | 25% | 12.5% | 41.9% | List 1 25% |
| Excavators / hydraulic shovels | 8429.52 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25%; construction equipment |
| Forklifts | 8427.20 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25% |
| Pumps (for liquids) | 8413.70 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25%; centrifugal pumps |
| Industrial compressors | 8414.80 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25%; air/gas compressors |
| Textile machinery (knitting) | 8447.11 | Free | 7.5% | 12.5% | 20% | List 4A 7.5% |
| Packaging / filling machinery | 8422.30 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 1 25% |
| Agricultural tractors | 8701.91 | Free | 25% | 12.5% | 37.5% | List 2 25% |
| Generators (AC, <75 kVA) | 8501.61 | 2.5% | 25% | 12.5% | 40% | List 3 25% |
Machinery Origin Comparison
| Origin | §301 | Total Duty | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 25% | 41.7% | List 1 25% + 12.5% forced-labor (CNC centre, 4.2% MFN) |
| Taiwan | 0% | 10% | 10% combined floor; strong precision machinery & CNC capacity |
| Germany | 0% | 10% | EU 10% combined floor; premium machinery, higher FOB cost |
| Japan | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% combined floor |
| South Korea | 0% | 8.3–12.5% | KORUS removes MFN, but the 12.5% floor is measured against MFN |
| India | 0% | 14.2% | 4.2% MFN + 10% forced-labor tier |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the import duty on machinery from China in 2026?
Most industrial machinery from China is on Section 301 List 1 (25%), on top of MFN rates of 0–4.4%, plus the 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 tariff that replaced the Section 122 surcharge on 24 July 2026. Total: roughly 37.5–42% depending on the subheading — CNC machining centres 41.7%, excavators and forklifts 37.5%. A few lines are on other lists (knitting machines List 4A 7.5%, tractors List 2 25%).
Is there any machinery from China exempt from Section 301?
Only through specific USTR product exclusions. USTR has run a separate exclusion process for certain manufacturing machinery in Chapters 84 and 85 and has extended those exclusions in stages; each covers a narrowly described product under a 10-digit code. Check the current USTR exclusion list for your exact product before assuming 25% — and note that an exclusion removes the Section 301 list duty, not the 12.5% forced-labor tariff.
What is the Section 301 list for industrial machinery?
Most industrial machinery is on List 1 (25%), the first tranche published in July 2018, which covers capital goods such as metalworking machines, construction equipment, pumps, compressors and packaging machinery. Some items sit elsewhere: agricultural tractors on List 2 (25%), AC generators on List 3 (25%), knitting machines on List 4A (7.5%). The 12.5% forced-labor tariff applies to all of them.
Can I use a customs bond to defer duties on machinery from China?
Not really. A customs bond guarantees that you will pay duties; it doesn't postpone them. Estimated duties are deposited with the entry summary, due within 10 working days of release — or, if you enrol in CBP's Periodic Monthly Statement, on the 15th working day of the following month, which is the only built-in deferral. Liquidation later finalises the amount. For a large machinery shipment you need either a continuous bond (at least $50,000, or 10% of your annual duties) or a single-entry bond covering the full value plus duties. To avoid paying duty at all, look at a foreign-trade zone or a bonded warehouse, where duty is due only when goods enter US commerce.
What documentation is required to import machinery from China?
Required: commercial invoice with detailed product description and HTS classification, packing list, bill of lading, and CBP Form 7501 entry summary filed by your customs broker. For machinery subject to FCC, OSHA, or EPA regulations (generators, engines, electronic controls), additional agency permits may be required before release. Large machinery sometimes requires ISF (Importer Security Filing) 24 hours before loading.
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