Import duty on solar panels

Solar cells and modules are 8541.43 and duty-free at the general rate, but a Section 201 safeguard and Section 301 (China) frequently apply — verify.

General rate (8541.43.0010)
Free
Effective from China
35%

base + Section 301

This is an informational estimate, not a customs ruling. Tariffs change frequently — confirm the live rate on the official USITC HTS and read our methodology & disclaimer. For a binding classification, consult a licensed customs broker or request a CBP ruling.

Worked duty example

A $2,000 ocean shipment of solar panels from China, using 8541.43.0010.

Duty stack · from China
General (Column 1) rate
Free
Section 301 — China (List 3)
+ 25%
Section 122 — 10% global baseline
+ 10%
Effective duty35%
Landed cost · $2,000.00 shipment (ocean)
Customs value$2,000.00
Base dutyFree$0.00
Section 301 — China (List 3)25%$500.00
Section 122 — 10% global baseline10%$200.00
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)$2.62
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)0.13%$2.50
Freight$240.00
Total landed cost(~35% duty)$2,945.12
  • · Informal entry (value under $2,500): MPF is a small flat fee rather than 0.3464% of value.

China vs other origins

How much of the duty on solar panels is origin-specific.

Effective duty by origin8541.43.0010
OriginBaseExtra tariffsEffective
ChinaFree+ 35%35%
VietnamFree+ 10%10%
IndiaFree+ 10%10%
GermanyFree+ 10%10%
MexicoFreeFree

Cost your solar panels import

Classify the exact product, stack the real tariffs and get the whole landed cost — free to start.