HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 84.73 – Machinery; parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of headings 84.70 to 84.72
What HS 84.73 covers
Heading 8473 is a critical classification for the parts and accessories 'suitable for use solely or principally' with the machines of headings 8470, 8471, and 8472. This comprehensive heading covers a vast array of components essential for the manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of calculating machines, automatic data processing machines, and other office machines. It is crucial to note the 'solely or principally' criterion, which means the part must be identifiable as intended for these specific machines, and not for general-purpose use or for machines classified elsewhere. Exclusions are also vital: covers, carrying cases, and the like are generally excluded, as are generic electronic components that do not have a specific function for these machines. This heading underpins the global supply chains for electronics and office equipment, facilitating the trade of components that are assembled into finished products worldwide. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the 'solely or principally' rule is paramount to avoid misclassification, as a slight deviation can lead to incorrect duties and regulatory hurdles. As part of Section XVI, it emphasizes the mechanical and functional nature of these parts, distinguishing them from raw materials or general-purpose electrical components.
- Covers
Printer cartridges (toner/ink specifically for 84.71/84.72 machines), printer drums, circuit boards for computers (e.g., motherboards, graphics cards *if not complete units classified in 8471*), power supply units for computers (specifically designed), cooling fans for computer cases, internal cables for computers, casings for computers (empty or unfinished), display panels for laptops (without other ADP components), keycaps for keyboards, calculator displays, cash register thermal paper rolls (if considered accessories), scanner lamps, photocopier drum units, fuser units for copiers, memory modules (RAM *if not complete units classified in 8471*), empty printer cartridges, spare parts for typewriters, internal components for ATMs (e.g., specific note validators), optical drive mechanisms for computers, hard drive enclosures (empty), printer heads, plotter pens, ribbon cartridges for typewriters, barcode scanner engines, projector lamps for ADP projectors, touch screen digitizers for tablets.
- Examples
A Taiwanese electronics manufacturer exports millions of motherboards and graphics cards to PC assembly plants in the USA and Europe, forming a critical link in the global computer supply chain. A Japanese company ships specialized toner cartridges and drum units for its photocopiers to distributors across Southeast Asia, ensuring a steady supply for its installed machine base. Chinese factories produce and export vast quantities of plastic casings and internal cooling fans for desktop computers to major IT brands worldwide, leveraging efficient manufacturing capabilities. A European firm imports highly specialized spare parts for accounting machines from Germany for its network of service centers across the continent, ensuring rapid repairs and minimal downtime for clients.
Subheadings under 84.73 5
Codes often confused with 84.73
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse parts under 8473 with complete functional units (8471), general electronic components (8543), or articles of plastic (3926). For instance, a fully assembled and functional CPU or RAM module is classified under 8471, whereas a bare circuit board for a CPU or an unpopulated RAM stick might be 8473. Generic power supplies, not solely for 8470-8472 machines, could fall under 8504. Similarly, a generic plastic enclosure not specifically shaped or designed for a computer might be 3926. The 'solely or principally' rule is critical: if a component has a broader application or is a complete functional unit itself, it likely belongs elsewhere. Ambiguity around partially assembled units or multi-purpose components is a frequent source of error.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8473, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8473 in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.3% of its exports here ($777M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$86.0B 26% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $44.5B 13% of world exports
- 3 China $42.8B 13% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.3% of its exports here ($777M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $330.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $89.8B 30% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $36.4B 12% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $34.8B 12% of world imports
World total: $297.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 84.73
What is HS code 8473?
HS code 8473 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) suitable for use solely or principally with machines of headings 84.70 to 84.72. Heading 8473 is a critical classification for the parts and accessories 'suitable for use solely or principally' with the machines of headings 8470, 8471, and 8472. This comprehensive heading covers a vast array of components essential for the manufacturing, maintenance, and repair of calculating machines, automatic data processing machines, and other office machines. It is crucial to note the 'solely or principally' criterion, which means the part must be identifiable as intended for these specific machines, and not for general-purpose use or for machines classified elsewhere. Exclusions are also vital: covers, carrying cases, and the like are generally excluded, as are generic electronic components that do not have a specific function for these machines. This heading underpins the global supply chains for electronics and office equipment, facilitating the trade of components that are assembled into finished products worldwide. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the 'solely or principally' rule is paramount to avoid misclassification, as a slight deviation can lead to incorrect duties and regulatory hurdles. As part of Section XVI, it emphasizes the mechanical and functional nature of these parts, distinguishing them from raw materials or general-purpose electrical components.
What products fall under HS code 8473?
Printer cartridges (toner/ink specifically for 84.71/84.72 machines), printer drums, circuit boards for computers (e.g., motherboards, graphics cards *if not complete units classified in 8471*), power supply units for computers (specifically designed), cooling fans for computer cases, internal cables for computers, casings for computers (empty or unfinished), display panels for laptops (without other ADP components), keycaps for keyboards, calculator displays, cash register thermal paper rolls (if considered accessories), scanner lamps, photocopier drum units, fuser units for copiers, memory modules (RAM *if not complete units classified in 8471*), empty printer cartridges, spare parts for typewriters, internal components for ATMs (e.g., specific note validators), optical drive mechanisms for computers, hard drive enclosures (empty), printer heads, plotter pens, ribbon cartridges for typewriters, barcode scanner engines, projector lamps for ADP projectors, touch screen digitizers for tablets.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8473?
Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse parts under 8473 with complete functional units (8471), general electronic components (8543), or articles of plastic (3926). For instance, a fully assembled and functional CPU or RAM module is classified under 8471, whereas a bare circuit board for a CPU or an unpopulated RAM stick might be 8473. Generic power supplies, not solely for 8470-8472 machines, could fall under 8504. Similarly, a generic plastic enclosure not specifically shaped or designed for a computer might be 3926. The 'solely or principally' rule is critical: if a component has a broader application or is a complete functional unit itself, it likely belongs elsewhere. Ambiguity around partially assembled units or multi-purpose components is a frequent source of error.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8473?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8473 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $86.0B, 26% of world exports), Hong Kong ($44.5B) and China ($42.8B). World exports came to about $330.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 3.3% of its exports here ($777M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8473?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8473 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($89.8B, 30% of world imports), Hong Kong ($36.4B) and Mexico ($34.8B). World imports came to about $297.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 8473 structured?
HS code 8473 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (73) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.