Avoiding Mistakes in the Classification of Laser Equipment

The key to declaring a laser apparatus to customs is accurate classification, which requires paying special attention to the equipment's power, type of function, and accessories.By checking the technical parameters of a product, referring to recent classification cases, and describing the product more precisely, it is possible to effectively avoid misdeclaration.They should pay special attention to the distinction between the main product and its accessories, and when they encounter any uncertainties, they should immediately contact the customs hotline. This will help to reduce the risks and extra costs associated with customs clearance.

Why does the laser equipment industry always seem to be in a rut?

Many of my friends have run into problems when they try to report laser marking machines, and it is usually because they are using the wrong customs codes.The problem was that the equipment was too complex. Some of it could cut, some of it could only mark. The customs codes for each were entirely different.Even more worrisome is that machines with different power ratings may be classified differently, and if you're not careful your order will be rejected.

First, you have to figure out the basis of classification.

Customs codes are not something you can just fill in at random. There are three hard criteria: the type of laser (fiber, CO2, or UV), the maximum output power, and whether or not it has any additional functionality (such as a cutting head).Last year a company incorrectly reported a 300-watt machine as being in tariff category 8515, and when it was discovered that the wattage was actually too high, the company was asked to reclassify the item. This wasted two weeks of customs clearance time.

Four steps to correct declaration.

Step 1: Find the key parameters.

Don't be in such a hurry to fill out the forms, first find the instruction manual.The key is to look at the technical specifications page, and to focus on the "laser wavelength" and "maximum power" entries.Some importers have been caught out by the fuzziness of the specifications, and have been asked to provide technical certification.

Step 2: Check the customs classification decision.

The General Customs Administration's website updates its classification cases every week.For example, the 8531.49 tariff item was just announced last month, and clearly states that equipment with less than 200W of power and with only marking functions is eligible for this tariff number.We recommend that you bookmark this page and check it first to see if there are any similar cases before you submit a report.

The application materials should steer clear of these minefields.

Don't be too vague in your description of the purpose of your trip.

I've seen people who just write down "industrial laser equipment." That's like not saying anything at all.But when they read "20W fiber laser marking machine for use on metal surfaces," the customs officials know exactly how to classify the product.

The accessories must be listed separately.

Don't mix the cooling system or the rotating worktable with the main machine.Last year, one company declared a shipment of positioning jigs worth NT $ 30,000, but the entire shipment was held up in the inspection process and they had to pay an additional NT $ 8,000 in taxes.

The old driver's mantra.

They may omit important details about power and functions.

Separate accessories, separate calculations.

If you are uncertain about something, call the Customs hotline at 12360 for clarification. It's a lot less stressful than having to change your documents after the fact.