84813000
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves
Check (non-return) valves
Classification scope of subheading 8481 30
Subheading 8481 30 of the Combined Nomenclature covers check (non-return) valves, i.e. mechanical devices allowing flow in one direction only and closing automatically when reverse flow is attempted. Check valves are used in water supply, heating, gas, pneumatic and hydraulic installations to prevent backflow. This subheading covers ball check valves, swing check valves, tilting disc check valves, spring-loaded check valves and wafer check valves. They must be distinguished from pressure-reducing valves (8481 10), oleohydraulic valves (8481 20), safety valves (8481 40) and other valves (8481 80). The General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), Rules 1 and 6, form the basis. In case of doubt, a BTI ruling is recommended.
Import requirements for check valves (8481 30)
Importing check valves under subheading 8481 30 into the EU requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number. Check valves for pressure service are subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, requiring CE marking. Valves for water supply installations may be subject to EN standards for materials in contact with drinking water. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document, technical specification and CE declaration of conformity. VAT applies on import. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8481 30
MFN duty rates for check valves under subheading 8481 30 should be verified in the current TARIC database. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs, including CETA, the EU-Japan EPA and the EU-UK TCA. Compliance with rules of origin and proof of origin (EUR.1, invoice declaration or REX) are required. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions. VAT applies on import. All duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
PED certification and valve imports under 8481 30
Valves under CN 8481 30 are subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU if intended for pressure installations above 0.5 bar. MFN duty: 1.7%. Gas installation valves additionally require compliance with Gas Appliances Regulation (EU) 2016/426. CE certification must include conformity assessment appropriate to the valve pressure category.
Frequently asked questions
What does subheading 8481 30 cover?
Subheading 8481 30 covers check (non-return) valves allowing flow in one direction only. This includes ball, swing, tilting disc and spring-loaded check valves for water, heating, gas and hydraulic installations. Pressure-reducing valves are classified under 8481 10, and safety valves under 8481 40. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do check valves (8481 30) require CE marking?
Check valves under subheading 8481 30 for pressure service are subject to the PED 2014/68/EU and require CE marking. The manufacturer must carry out a conformity assessment appropriate to the hazard category and issue an EU declaration of conformity. Valves for water supply may be subject to additional material standards. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What documents are needed to import check valves?
Importing valves under subheading 8481 30 requires a commercial invoice, transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), EORI number, technical specification and CE declaration. For preferential rates, a certificate of origin is needed. PED-subject valves require a pressure certificate. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do valves under 8481 30 require PED certification?
Valves under CN 8481 30 for pressure installations above 0.5 bar require PED 2014/68/EU certification. Low-pressure valves may be exempt from full conformity assessment.
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