Update on ITC's Investigation on Proposed HTS Modifications (Especially Chapters 84, 85, & 90)
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has posted to its Web site the draft preliminary report for its investigation (No. 1205-6) on proposed modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
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(See ITT's Online Archives or 09/15/04 news, 04091520, for BP summary of the ITC's notice announcing the institution of this investigation.)
According to the ITC's Web site, this draft preliminary report essentially consists of Appendix B, which presents the proposed HTS modifications, and Appendices C and D, which are cross-reference tables of current and proposed HTS numbers.
In addition, the ITC provides as a background reference the original document of the World Customs Organization's (WCO's) Harmonized System (HS) Committee, from which Appendix B is derived.
ITC sources have stated that this third HS review cycle focuses on proposed amendments to chapters covering high-tech products (i.e., HTS Chapters 84, 85, and 90), although proposals for other chapters will be examined as well.
Sample of Proposed HTS Modifications
The following is a sample of the proposed HTS modifications, as detailed in Appendix B:
replacing current subheadings 0603.10 through 0603.10.80 with new subheadings (fresh cut flowers and flower buds, etc.) to provide separate lines for roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, etc.;
adding a new subheading 6203.29.10 for men's or boys' ensembles of wool or fine animal hair: suits, suit-type jackets and trousers, the foregoing of worsted wool fabric, made of wool yarn having an average fiber diameter of 18.5 microns or less;
adding a new subheading 6207.99.75 for men's and boys' bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles, of man-made fibers;
replacing current subheadings 6401.99 and 6401.99.30 through 6401.99.90 with new subheadings (other waterproof footwear) to provide, among other things, a separate line for footwear covering the knee;
adding a new Additional U.S. Note (AUSN) 4 to Chapter 84 regarding parts of facsimile machines;
replacing the current heading 8528 and its subheadings with a new heading and subheadings for monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus;
replacing the current article descriptions for electrical apparatus in headings 8535 and 8536 with new descriptions; and
replacing the current Note 1(h) to Chapter 90 with a new note regarding items that Chapter 90 does not cover, such as certain searchlights or spotlights, portable electric lamps, cinematographic sound recording apparatus, etc.
- written comments on the draft preliminary report are due by November 1, 2004.
Draft preliminary report available at http://www.usitc.gov/taffairs.htmHTS
BP Note
According to ITC sources, the proposed HTS modifications have been sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for review, and to date, the ITC has not received any comments from CBP requesting HTS modifications.