Helium Weather Balloon
A large latex or mylar balloon filled with helium, used for meteorological research to carry instruments aloft. It is classified under tariff item 8801.00.90 as a non-powered aircraft, distinct from toy balloons due to its scientific purpose and size.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the balloon is a toy for amusement
Flying toys are excluded from Chapter 88 by legal note 1.
If the balloon is imported with permanently integrated meteorological instruments
Instruments of Chapter 90 may take precedence if they are the principal function.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Be ready to prove the balloon is for scientific use and not for amusement, as toy balloons fall under a different heading
• Provide documentation of the meteorological instruments it carries
• Note that helium gas is classified separately under Chapter 28
Related Products under Tariff item 8801.00.90
AeroSport Hang Glider
The AeroSport Hang Glider is a rigid-wing, non-powered aircraft launched by foot from hillsides for recreational soaring. It meets the definition of a hang glider and falls under tariff item 8801.00.90 for other non-powered aircraft.
Alpine Eagle Hang Glider
The Alpine Eagle is a lightweight, non-powered aircraft designed for recreational hang gliding, featuring an aluminum frame, Dacron sailcloth wings, and a harness suspension system. It is a hang glider, a type of non-powered aircraft under heading 88.01.
Blimp Envelope
A non-rigid fabric envelope for a pressure airship or blimp, designed to be filled with helium for advertising or tourism flights. As a dirigible that is not powered, it falls under tariff item 8801.00.90 for other non-powered aircraft.
Breeze Lightweight Hang Glider
The Breeze is an ultralight hang glider optimized for portable transport, with a magnesium alloy frame weighing under 30kg unladen and batwing nylon sail. It is a hang glider, a non-powered aircraft under heading 88.01.
CloudDancer Sailplane Glider
The CloudDancer Sailplane Glider is a high-performance, non-powered fixed-wing aircraft for unpowered flight using rising air currents. It is classified under tariff item 8801.00.90 as other non-powered aircraft.
Delta Wing Hang Glider
A complete delta wing hang glider with an aluminum frame, sailcloth wing, and control bar, designed for unpowered recreational soaring. It is a non-powered aircraft of a kind used for sport, falling under heading 88.01 as a hang glider.