HS Code 9809.00 : Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries is 9809.00. Under the 2026 United Kingdom (UKGT), the representative MFN general duty rate is 0.00 % [HMRC Trade Tariff 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 98
Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries
Heading 9809
Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries
Subheading .00
.00
Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff / UKGT 2026)
9809000000
MODULE 5: UK IMPORT DUTY & VAT BREAKDOWN
UK Customs De Minimis
£135.00
Duty-free threshold
Notice: UK import duties and VAT are governed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Always verify declarable 10-digit commodity codes and preference eligibility before customs lodgement.
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MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
PREFERENTIAL RULE
Certificate of Origin (If Claiming FTA)
Required only when claiming zero-duty preference under USMCA, KORUS, or GSP.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
Standard Entry
This commodity does not carry mandatory PGA pre-clearance flags under the ACE message set.
MODULE 8: UK Trade Remedies (TRA) & Safeguards
UK TRA Anti-Dumping Status
Standard UKGT Tariff
UK Steel Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
DEFRA / MHRA Control Status
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA | UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement | Free | Must satisfy UK-EU Statement on Origin and product-specific rules. |
| AUS | UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement | Free | Direct origin proof or tariff shift requirement. |
| CPTPP | Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership | Free | CPTPP Certificate of Origin and regional value content rule. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries
MODULE 11: UK Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR)
Legally binding classification rulings issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for HS 9809.00.
Query the official HMRC Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR) database:
Search HMRC Trade Tariff Database for 9809.00 →UKGT Declarable Commodity Lines (9809.00)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9809.00.10 | Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.20 | Upon the request of the Department of State, office supplies and equipment and other articles for the official use of representatives of foreign governments or of personnel of public international organizations, on duty in the United States | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.30 | Articles for the official use of members of the armed forces of any foreign country on duty in the United States | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.40 | Articles which, while in the United States, will remain the property of such government or of such organization and will be used only in connection with noncommercial functions of such government or of such organization, including exhibitions which are sponsored by or participated in by such government or such organization and which are not commercial in character or connected with commercial undertakings | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.50 | Prosthetic appliances furnished by a foreign government to former members of its armed forces who reside in the United States | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.60 | Headstones furnished by a foreign government for graves of its war veterans buried in the United States | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.70 | Articles for presentation as gifts to the United States Government, to any State or local government or to any public institution organized in the United States | Free | Free | Free | — |
| 9809.00.80 | Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries, Printed matter, not containing advertising matter, for free distribution | Free | Free | Free | — |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
HMRC Trade Tariff Service (UKGT 2026) ↗
Official UK 10-digit commodity codes and UKGT MFN duty rates.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Customs Declarations ↗
UK customs entry guidance and CDS procedures.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United Kingdom (UKGT) general duty for Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and United Kingdom (UKGT), Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries is classified under HS 9809.00 (Heading 9809, Chapter 98). The representative UK MFN general duty rate is 0.00 %.
How is HS 9809.00 distinguished within Heading 9809 (Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries)?
Heading 9809 covers Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries. Subheading 9809.00 specifically isolates Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 9809.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 9809.00?
Related subheadings under Heading 9809 include . Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries into the United Kingdom?
Importers require a Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) entry declaration (or Single Administrative Document / SAD), active EORI number, and proof of origin.
Can goods under HS 9809.00 enter duty-free under UK Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in EU Member States, US, Japan, Australia, or CPTPP countries enter duty-free or under reduced tariff rates provided they satisfy Rules of Origin with an official Statement on Origin.
What is the UK customs duty de minimis threshold for shipments of Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries?
Shipments imported into Great Britain with an intrinsic value of £135 or less enter customs duty-free under UKGT rules, though 20.00% import VAT remains payable.
How can an importer obtain an official UK Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR) for HS 9809.00?
Importers may apply to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for an Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR). An ATaR provides legally binding tariff classification for 3 years across the United Kingdom.
What import VAT rate applies to HS 9809.00 in the United Kingdom?
Standard UK import VAT is 20.00%, calculated on total landed CIF cost (Customs Value + Freight/Insurance + UKGT Import Duty). Reduced or zero rates apply to specific statutory essential goods.
What is the UK EORI registration requirement for commercial imports under HS 9809.00?
All businesses importing goods into Great Britain require a UK EORI number starting with 'GB' (registered via HMRC Government Gateway) for CDS customs entry declarations.
How does UK Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) work for imports of HS 9809.00?
Under UK PVA rules, UK VAT-registered importers can account for and recover import VAT on their standard VAT return rather than paying upfront at the port of entry.
What UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) safeguarding or anti-dumping duties apply?
Importers must verify whether specific trade remedies (anti-dumping or countervailing measures) published by the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) apply to their originating country.
What prohibited or restricted goods controls apply to HS 9809.00 in the UK?
Certain commodities under HS 9809.00 require import licenses or phytosanitary inspections from DEFRA, MHRA, or the UK Environment Agency prior to UK customs release.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in the UK?
No. The United Kingdom does not charge additional entry processing fees or harbor taxes beyond standard UKGT customs duties and applicable import VAT. Customs declarations are processed via HMRC CDS.