HTS code for laptops and computers (2026)
Most laptops and notebook computers fall under 8471.30.01.00, which covers portable automatic data processing machines weighing not more than 10 kg that consist of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard, and a display. The general (column 1) rate for this line is Free. The attribute that most often moves a product to a different line is whether the machine is portable and self-contained or is instead a desktop unit with the CPU and display integrated in the same housing, which would point to subheading 8471.41.01.50 or 8471.41.01.10.
Desktop computers where the CPU and input/output units share the same housing are classified under 8471.41.01.50 (non-CRT) or 8471.41.01.10 (CRT), also at a general rate of Free. Standalone processing units sold separately from their displays fall under 8471.50.01.50, likewise at Free.
Candidate HTS lines for laptops and computers
| Code | Line | General rate | Special rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8471.30.01.00 | Portable automatic data processing machines, weighing not more than 10 kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display (No.) Use when: Use for a laptop, notebook, or other portable automatic data processing machine weighing not more than 10 kg that includes at least a central processing unit, a keyboard, and a display in a single unit. | Free | |
| 8471.41.01.50 | Other (No.) Other automatic data processing machines: › Comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined Use when: Use for a desktop or all-in-one computer comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, where the unit does not have a cathode-ray tube display and is not entered as a system. | Free | |
| 8471.41.01.10 | With cathode-ray tube (CRT) (No.) Other automatic data processing machines: › Comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined Use when: Use for a desktop or all-in-one computer comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit where the display is a cathode-ray tube (CRT). | Free | |
| 8471.49.00.00 | Other, entered in the form of systems (No.) Use when: Use when the automatic data processing machine is entered in the form of a system, meaning the CPU and its associated units are imported together as a declared system. | Free | |
| 8471.50.01.50 | Other (No.) Processing units other than those of subheading 8471.41 or 8471.49, whether or not containing in the same housing one or two of the following types of unit: storage units, input units, output units Use when: Use for a standalone processing unit (tower, rack, or blade) that is not classified under 8471.41 or 8471.49 and may optionally contain storage, input, or output units in the same housing, without a CRT. | Free | |
| 8471.90.00.00 | Other (No.) Use when: Use for ADP machines or units that do not fall under any more specific subheading within heading 8471, such as certain specialized computing devices. | Free | |
| 8473.30.11.40 | Memory modules suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471 (No.) Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471: › Not incorporating a cathode ray tube: › Printed circuit assemblies Use when: Use for memory modules in the form of printed circuit assemblies suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471, imported separately from the computer. | Free | |
| 8473.30.11.80 | Other (No.) Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471: › Not incorporating a cathode ray tube: › Printed circuit assemblies Use when: Use for other printed circuit assemblies (not memory modules) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471, imported as parts or accessories. | Free | |
| 8473.30.20.00 | Parts and accessories, including face plates and lock latches, of printed circuit assemblies (No.) Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471: Use when: Use for parts and accessories, including face plates and lock latches, of printed circuit assemblies suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471. | Free | |
| 8471.80.10.00 | Control or adapter units (No.) Other units of automatic data processing machines: Use when: Use for control or adapter units that are separate units of automatic data processing machines and do not fall under storage, input, or output unit subheadings. | Free |
Chapter 99 duties and claims that attach to these lines today
Section 301 China
- 9903.88.01 Section 301 China, The duty provided in the applicable subheading plus 25%, applies to 8473.30.20.00 9903.88.01 Explained: Section 301 China 25% Tariff Rate and Scope
- 9903.88.03 Section 301 China, +25%, applies to 8471.50.01.50, 8471.90.00.00, 8473.30.11.40, 8473.30.11.80, 8471.80.10.00 9903.88.03 Explained: Section 301 China List 4, 25% Duty Rate
- 9903.88.15 Section 301 China, +7.5%, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00 9903.88.15 Explained: Section 301 China List 4, 7.5% Duty Rate
- 9903.88.69 Section 301 Exclusion Claims, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8473.30.11.80 9903.88.69: Section 301 Exclusion Claim Heading Explained
Section 301 Brazil
- 9903.05.03 Section 301 Brazil Exemptions, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.30.01.00, 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50, 8471.90.00.00, 8473.30.11.40, 8473.30.11.80, 8473.30.20.00, 8471.80.10.00
Aluminum 232
- 9903.85.68 Consolidated Metal 232, +200%, applies to 8473.30.20.00 9903.85.68 Russian Aluminum Derivatives: 200% Duty, Scope, and Stacking
Civil Aircraft
- 9903.96.01 Civil Aircraft Exemption, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9903.96.02 Civil Aircraft Exemption, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
Other Chapter 99 provisions
- 9903.05.86 Section 301 Forced Labor, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.30.01.00, 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50, 8471.90.00.00, 8473.30.11.40, 8473.30.11.80, 8473.30.20.00, 8471.80.10.00 9903.05.86 Section 301 Forced Labor Exemption Explained
- 9922.52.02 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9922.52.04 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9922.52.06 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9922.52.08 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9922.52.10 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
- 9922.52.12 Other, claim or exemption heading, no additional duty, applies to 8471.41.01.50, 8471.41.01.10, 8471.49.00.00, 8471.50.01.50
Each applicable Chapter 99 heading is reported as its own line beside the classification. Its duty is separate from the general rate above; most programs charge it on top, and a heading's own text says how it is assessed.
What decides the line
The first question is whether the machine is portable and weighs not more than 10 kg with a central processing unit, keyboard, and display integrated in one unit. If yes, the correct line is 8471.30.01.00. Weight and the presence of an integrated display are the controlling facts at this step.
If the machine is not portable under that definition, the next question is whether it comprises in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit. If yes, and if it is not entered as a system, it falls under 8471.41.01.50 (non-CRT display) or 8471.41.01.10 (CRT display). The type of display technology, cathode-ray tube or other, splits those two lines.
If multiple units including the CPU are imported together and declared as a system, the correct line is 8471.49.00.00 regardless of whether the individual units could separately qualify under 8471.41.
A CPU unit sold separately from its display and not qualifying under 8471.41 or 8471.49 falls under 8471.50.01.50. Parts and accessories imported separately from the machine, such as printed circuit assemblies or memory modules, leave heading 8471 entirely and are classified under the appropriate subheading of 8473.30.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a standalone desktop tower under 8471.30.01.00 is incorrect because that line requires portability and an integrated keyboard and display; the correct line for a desktop processing unit without an integrated display is 8471.50.01.50.
- Importing a CPU and monitor together without declaring them as a system and then classifying the CPU alone under 8471.50.01.50 may be incorrect if the goods qualify as a system entered under 8471.49.00.00; confirm how the entry is structured before filing.
- Classifying separately imported memory modules or printed circuit assemblies under 8471.30.01.00 or 8471.41.01.50 is incorrect; those parts belong under 8473.30.11.40 or 8473.30.11.80 respectively.
- Failing to report an applicable Chapter 99 heading alongside the 8471 classification is a filing error; for example, goods from China subject to 9903.88.15 (Section 301 China, +7.5%) on 8471.41.01.50 must be reported as a separate line on the entry.
- Assuming the general rate of Free means no additional duty is owed on China-origin laptops is incorrect; Chapter 99 provision 9903.88.15 (Section 301 China) adds +7.5% for goods under 8471.41.01.50, and other 8471 lines carry different Section 301 rates that must be confirmed in the current HTSUS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for a standard laptop computer?
A standard laptop is classified under 8471.30.01.00, which covers portable automatic data processing machines weighing not more than 10 kg consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard, and a display. The general (column 1) rate is Free and the column 2 rate is 35%.
What HTS code applies to a desktop all-in-one computer?
A desktop all-in-one that houses the central processing unit and input and output unit together, without a cathode-ray tube display, is classified under 8471.41.01.50 at a general rate of Free. If the display uses a cathode-ray tube (CRT), the correct line is 8471.41.01.10, also at Free.
Is there an additional duty on laptops or computers imported from China?
The general rate for heading 8471 lines is Free, but China-origin goods may be subject to additional duties under Chapter 99 Section 301 provisions. For example, 8471.41.01.50 carries Chapter 99 provision 9903.88.15 (Section 301 China) at +7.5%, while 8471.50.01.50 carries 9903.88.03 (Section 301 China) at +25%. The applicable provision depends on the specific line; confirm the current provision for your line in the HTSUS or with a licensed broker.
What do the Chapter 99 provisions on the entry mean and how are they filed?
Each applicable Chapter 99 heading, such as 9903.88.15 (Section 301 China) or 9903.05.86 (Section 301 Forced Labor), is reported as its own separate line on the entry alongside the 8471 classification line. The duty imposed by a Chapter 99 provision is in addition to the general rate on the 8471 line. Provisions labeled as a claim or exemption heading carry no additional duty but must still be reported when they apply.
What code covers a computer processing unit imported separately without a monitor?
A standalone processing unit that is not classified under 8471.41 or 8471.49, and that may optionally contain storage, input, or output units in the same housing, is classified under 8471.50.01.50 at a general rate of Free. China-origin goods under this line are subject to Chapter 99 provision 9903.88.03 (Section 301 China) at +25%.
What HTS code applies to memory modules or circuit boards imported for computers?
Memory modules suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471 are classified under 8473.30.11.40 at a general rate of Free. Other printed circuit assemblies that are parts or accessories of heading 8471 machines fall under 8473.30.11.80, also at Free. Both lines carry Chapter 99 provision 9903.88.03 (Section 301 China) at +25% for China-origin goods.