HS Code for Laptop
Laptops and portable computers are typically grouped under HTS heading 8471, which covers automatic data processing machines and units. The most common suggestion for a standard laptop is 8471.30.01.00, which carries a general duty rate of Free under US tariff law. Related items like keyboards (8471.60.20), storage units (8471.70), motherboards, and other parts (heading 8473) also fall in Chapter 84 and most are duty-free at the MFN level.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8471.30.01.00 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — Portable automatic data processing machines, weighing not more than 10 kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display Standard laptop or notebook computer (under 10 kg with built-in CPU, keyboard, and display) | Free |
| 8471.41.01.50 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — 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, Other All-in-one desktop or compact PC bundling CPU and I/O | Free |
| 8471.50.01.50 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — 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, Other Standalone CPU or processing unit (no integrated display) | Free |
| 8471.60.10.50 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing, Combined input/output units, Other Touchscreens and combined input/output peripherals | Free |
| 8471.60.20.00 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing, Other, Keyboards Standalone keyboards | Free |
| 8471.70.40.65 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — Storage units, Magnetic disk drive units, Other, Not assembled in cabinets, and without attached external power supply, Hard magnetic disk drive units Internal hard disk drives (HDDs) | Free |
| 8471.70.40.95 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof — Storage units, Magnetic disk drive units, Other, Not assembled in cabinets, and without attached external power supply, Other Other magnetic disk storage units | Free |
| 8473.30.11.40 | Parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of headings 8470 to 8472 — Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471, Not incorporating a cathode ray tube, Printed circuit assemblies, Memory modules suitable for use solely or principally with machines of heading 8471 Populated laptop motherboards and printed circuit assemblies | Free |
| 8473.30.51.00 | Parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of headings 8470 to 8472 — Parts and accessories of the machines of heading 8471, Not incorporating a cathode ray tube, Other Other parts and accessories for laptops and PCs | Free |
Laptops and portable computers fall within heading 8471 of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers automatic data processing (ADP) machines and their units. The first decision point is whether the device is a fully assembled portable computer or a component.
For a complete laptop or notebook — meaning a portable ADP machine weighing not more than 10 kg, containing at least a CPU, keyboard, and display in the same housing — the suggested classification is 8471.30.01.00. This is the most common subheading and applies to the bulk of consumer and business laptops, including ultrabooks, gaming laptops, and 2-in-1 convertibles.
For desktop-style computers and all-in-one PCs that combine a CPU with input and output units in one housing but do not meet the portable weight threshold, the suggested subheading is 8471.41.01. Bare processing units shipped without input/output devices fall under 8471.50.01.
Peripherals and components are split out separately. Combined input/output units such as touchscreens fall under 8471.60.10, standalone keyboards under 8471.60.20, and storage units (HDDs, optical drives, flexible disk drives) under 8471.70. Within 8471.70, the breakouts depend on whether the unit is a hard disk drive (8471.70.40.65) or other magnetic media (8471.70.40.95).
Motherboards, printed circuit assemblies, and generic accessories shift to heading 8473, which covers parts and accessories of ADP machines. Suggested codes here include 8473.30.11 for populated PCBs and 8473.30.51 for other parts. The substantive duty story is the same — most parts and accessories of computers are duty-free under MFN rates.
A practical note: external power supplies, chargers, and adapters used with laptops generally do not stay under heading 8471 — they fall under heading 8504 (electrical transformers and converters) and may carry different rates.
The general MFN duty rate for laptops, desktop PCs, processing units, peripherals, and ADP-machine parts is Free under heading 8471 and 8473. Section 301 tariffs and other country-specific additional duties may apply to laptops and components from certain origins, so total landed duty depends on country of origin in addition to the base classification.