Import duty on document scanners from China
Rates checked
Importing document scanners from China into the US costs about 7.5% in duty and tariffs in total: 0% base duty under HTS 8471.60.80.00 plus a 7.5% product-specific Section 301 China tariff. It can reach 42.8% if a different code applies.
HTS code for document scanners
8471.60.80.00
Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included: Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing: Other: Optical scanners and magnetic ink recognition devices
Medium confidence
Duty and tariff breakdown
| Line | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base customs dutyHTS 8471.60.80.00 | 0% |
| Section 301 — product-specific China tariffheading 9903.88.15 | 7.5% |
| Total estimated duty | 7.5% |
| Merchandise processing fee (MPF)FY2027 per entry, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86 | 0.3464% |
| Harbor maintenance fee (HMF)ocean freight only | 0.125% |
Range if a different code applies: 7.5%–42.8% (3926.90.87.00, 8472.90.90.40)
What decides it: 42.8% if it is classified under HTS 3926.90.87.00 (other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914); 7.5% if it is classified under HTS 8471.60.80.00 (automatic data processing machines and units thereof).
Rates checked 10 Nov 2026
Worked example
- Per $1,000 of goods: $75.00 in duty and tariffs, plus about $4.71 in MPF and HMF (a small entry pays the MPF minimum instead).
- Per unit at an example $35.00 factory price: $2.63 in duty and tariffs.
Why the code might be different
The code depends on what the product is made of and what it is mainly used for. Document scanners are usually made of plastic housing with an image sensor. If customs reads it differently, 3926.90.87.00 (Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Flexible plastic document binders with tabs, rolled or flat, 42.8% total); 8472.90.90.40 (Other office machines (for example, hectograph or stencil duplicating machines, addressing machines, automatic banknote dispensers, coin-sorting machines, coin-counting or wrapping machines, pencil-sharpening machines, perforating or stapling machines): Other: Other: Desktop note counters and note scanners, 37.5% total) could apply instead. A different material, a different power source or a different main use can move a product to another heading.
Compliance and paperwork
- Prop 65 warning (California) — may applyCalifornia OEHHA
- Country-of-origin label — appliesCBP
What else goes into landed cost
Duty is one line. Freight from the factory to the Amazon warehouse, customs brokerage, inspection, and Amazon's fulfilment and referral fees usually cost more than the duty does.
Duty on document scanners is about 7.5%, but it's rarely the biggest cost.
A free Cap Engine scan of the Amazon listing adds freight from China, Amazon's FBA and referral fees, ad spend and the cash your first order ties up, so you know whether it actually makes money before you order.
- Landed cost per unit
- Profit after Amazon fees and ads
- Cash needed for the first order
3 free scans · no credit card
Questions about importing document scanners
What HTS code are document scanners?
Document scanners from China usually fall under HTS 8471.60.80.00 (Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included: Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing: Other: Optical scanners and magnetic ink recognition devices). The match has medium confidence. If customs reads the product differently, 3926.90.87.00 or 8472.90.90.40 could apply.
Is there a Section 301 tariff on document scanners?
Yes. Document scanners from China pay the 7.5% product-specific China tariff (heading 9903.88.15) under Section 301, on top of the 0% base duty, 7.5% in total.
How much duty do I pay on document scanners from China?
About 7.5% of the goods' value: $75.00 per $1,000 of goods, or $2.63 per unit at a $35.00 factory price. The MPF and HMF customs fees come on top, about 0.4714% together.
What paperwork do document scanners need?
Usually: Country-of-origin label on the product. Check the compliance section above for what each involves.