Nuclear reactors — HTS 8401
Nuclear reactors; fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors; machinery and apparatus for isotopic separation; parts thereof
Chapter 84 › Heading 8401
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 8401 is a broad product category for nuclear-related equipment. It groups together nuclear reactors; non-irradiated fuel elements or cartridges made for nuclear reactors; machinery and apparatus used to separate isotopes; and parts of those goods. The heading is based mainly on the product’s function and intended use, not simply on the material from which it is made.
To narrow a product to a specific 8-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that it belongs in heading 8401, then follow the progressively more specific subheadings and statistical provisions. The distinctions may depend on the type of equipment, its design or function, whether it is a complete article or a part, and—where the tariff text provides—its material or other stated characteristics. Read the complete 8-digit description and any relevant section, chapter, and heading notes rather than relying on the heading title alone.
What to check
- Identify the product’s primary function and determine whether it is a reactor, a non-irradiated fuel element, isotope-separation equipment, or a part.
- Verify whether the item is complete equipment, a dedicated component, or a general-purpose part; do not classify a part solely by the machine in which it will be installed.
- Check the exact subheading wording for distinctions such as equipment type, design, intended use, material, or other listed characteristics.
- Confirm that any fuel element is non-irradiated and intended for a nuclear reactor, as those are important classification conditions.
- Review the current HTSUS notes and obtain a customs broker’s or classification specialist’s advice when the technical description, nuclear use, or parts relationship is uncertain.
HTS heading 8401 summary
Nuclear reactors is a 4-digit product category containing 4 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8401.10.00.00 👉 | Nuclear reactors | 3.3% | Free | 45% |
| 8401.20.00.00 👉 | Machinery and apparatus for isotopic separation, and parts thereof | 2.6% | Free | 35% |
| 8401.30.00.00 👉 | Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, and parts thereof | 3.3% | Free | 45% |
| 8401.40.00.00 👉 | Parts of nuclear reactors | 3.3% | Free | 45% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 8401?
Nuclear reactors; fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors; machinery and apparatus for isotopic separation; parts thereof. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.