Navigating the complex regulations and compliance requirements is critical for successfully importing vacuum cleaners into the EU and US markets. This article delivers a detailed, step-by-step compliance checklist focusing on certification standards, documentation, labeling, and regulatory approvals. The EU mandates CE marking and compliance with EN 60335-1 safety standards and the RoHS directive for vacuum cleaners. The US classifies vacuum cleaners under HTSUS 8508.11.0000 with specific tariff and marking requirements for Chinese origin imports.
Importing vacuum cleaners demands strict adherence to regional safety and customs rules. Non-compliance risks costly delays, fines, and seized shipments. This guide details the essential steps for both the European Union and United States markets.
EU Regulatory Compliance for Vacuum Cleaner Imports
Gaining EU market access requires meeting stringent safety, energy, and environmental mandates backed by thorough documentation.
Product Certification and Safety Standards
All vacuum cleaners must comply with the EN 60335-1 safety standard for household appliances. This ensures protection against electric shock, mechanical hazards, and overheating during normal use. Products require CE marking to visibly affirm this conformity.
Units designed for automotive use need additional certification under EN 50498. This standard covers electromagnetic compatibility in vehicle environments. It guarantees the vacuum operates safely without interfering with a car’s electronic systems.
Environmental and Energy Regulations
The EU’s RoHS directive restricts hazardous substances like lead and mercury. Compliance is mandatory for all electrical equipment, including vacuum cleaners. You must obtain and provide proof of RoHS conformity.
Energy efficiency falls under the Ecodesign Directive. Specific requirements govern motor power and energy consumption. Your product may also need a clear energy label informing consumers of its efficiency rating.
The WEEE directive mandates proper recycling and disposal procedures. Importers are often responsible for financing the collection and treatment of waste products. Note that new repairability requirements are anticipated for 2025 and beyond.
Documentation and Labeling
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a legally binding document. It affirms your vacuum cleaner meets all applicable EU directives. This includes the Low Voltage Directive, EMC Directive, and RoHS.
Complete technical documentation must be available for authorities. This includes detailed design drawings, test reports, and risk assessments. Keep these files for at least ten years after the product is placed on the market.
Physical labeling must be clear and permanent. Display the CE mark, manufacturer’s name, and product model number. Include all necessary warning labels and electrical ratings for consumer safety.

US Customs and Import Requirements for Vacuum Cleaner Imports
US import compliance hinges on accurate classification, proper origin marking, and payment of applicable tariffs.
Classification and Tariff Codes
Most household vacuum cleaners fall under HTSUS code 8508.11.0000. This classification applies to units with motors under 1500W and dust capacity below 20 liters. The general duty rate for this category is free.
Products manufactured in China face significant additional tariffs. Section 301 tariffs impose a 25% ad valorem duty on these imports. You must report this using Chapter 99 statistical suffixes.
| HTSUS Code | 説明 | Duty Rate | 備考 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8508.11.0000 | Vacuum cleaners with motors ≤1500W; dust capacity ≤20L | Free | Standard duty; includes most household and commercial vacuums |
| 9903.88.07 | Vacuum cleaners (Chinese origin) within certain product scope | 25% | Additional Section 301 tariffs on Chinese vacuums |
| 9903.88.03 | Wide application of additional tariffs on Chinese goods | 25% | Mandatory reporting under Section 301 |
Country of Origin Marking and Documentation
US Customs requires clear country of origin marking on every product. Follow the guidelines in 19 CFR Part 134 for proper labeling. The marking must be legible and permanent for the ultimate purchaser to see.
Submit accurate import documentation with your customs entry. This includes the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Properly declare the HTSUS code and country of origin on all forms. Additional evidentiary requirements such as declarations or affidavits may be requested to confirm compliance.
Compliance to Avoid Penalties and Facilitate Clearance
Failure to comply with marking rules can result in liquidated damages. Penalties often equal the value of the merchandise. Customs may refuse entry for non-compliant products until issues are resolved.
Ensure your import team understands all reporting requirements. Accurate classification affects duty payments and eligibility for exclusions. Maintain detailed records to support your claims during potential audits.
強力吸引のポータブル車用掃除機
Keep your vehicle spotless with KelyLands’ compact, quiet, and cordless car vacuum cleaners. Equipped with multiple nozzles, fast USB-C charging, and washable filters, these vacuums handle dust, debris, pet hair, and more—ideal for daily use and travel. Customize colors, logos, and packaging with our OEM services.

Risk Management and Best Practices for Vacuum Cleaner Importers
Proactive measures protect your business from compliance failures and supply chain disruptions.
Supplier & Product Evaluation
Partner with suppliers who hold relevant certifications like ISO 9001. Verify their quality control processes before placing orders. This reduces the risk of receiving non-compliant products.
Request and review all compliance documentation before shipment. This includes test reports for safety, EMC, and RoHS. Conduct factory audits to ensure manufacturing consistency.
Documentation and Recordkeeping
Maintain a complete compliance file for every product SKU. Update these files with each new production batch. This demonstrates due diligence to regulatory authorities.
Keep import records for at least five years after entry. This includes commercial invoices, customs forms, and proof of duty payment. Proper recordkeeping simplifies audits and compliance verification.
Regulatory Change Monitoring and Training
Implement a system to monitor regulatory updates in both EU and US markets. Subscribe to industry newsletters and customs bulletins. Early awareness of changes prevents last-minute scrambling.
輸入コンプライアンス要件について、定期的にスタッフを教育する。分類規則、書類作成の必要性、リスク軽減策について説明する。知識豊富な従業員は、エラーを未然に防ぐ第一線です。.
よくある質問
EUに輸入される掃除機にはどのような認証が義務付けられていますか?
低電圧指令およびEMC指令に適合していることを示すCEマーキングが義務付けられています。また、EN 60335-1安全規格と有害物質に関するRoHS指令も満たす必要があります。エネルギーラベリングとWEEE指令は、中核的な要件です。.
米国の通関規制では、掃除機はどのように分類されるのか?
ほとんどのユニットは、1500W未満のモーターと20リットル未満のダスト容量でHTSUS 8508.11.0000に分類される。これは無税である。しかし、中国原産の掃除機には、301 条の貿易救済措置に基づき、25% の追加関税が課される。.
米国での真空輸入に必要な主な書類とラベリングは?
すべての製品は、19 CFR Part 134に従い、原産国を明確かつ恒久的に表示しなければなりません。輸入書類はHTSUSコードと価格を正確に申告しなければなりません。適切な分類は、正しい関税の支払いを決定するために不可欠です。.
EUにおける掃除機のコンプライアンスに今後変更はありますか?
修理性要件は現在策定中であり、2025年を予定している。これらは製品の寿命と修理のしやすさに焦点を当てる。エコデザインとエネルギー表示規制の更新については、EUの公式出版物を監視する。.
掃除機を輸入する際、コンプライアンス違反によってどのような罰則が発生する可能性があるのか?
罰則には、出荷遅延、商品の押収、金銭的罰金が含まれる。米国税関は、表示違反に対して清算的損害賠償を課すことができる。EUは、市場参入を禁止し、安全性の不備に対して製品回収を義務付けることができる。.

