Platinum bushings used in basalt fiber production aren't "machines" as defined by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, according to a ruling recently released by CBP headquarters.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) provide classification provisions and duty rates for almost every item that exists. It is a system of classifying and taxing all goods imported into the United States. The HTS is based on the international Harmonized System, which is a global standard for naming and describing trade products, and consists of a hierarchical structure that assigns a specific code and rate to each type of merchandise for duty, quota, and statistical purposes. The HTS was made effective on January 1, 1989, replacing the former Tariff Schedules of the United States. It is maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission, but CBP is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the HTS.
The International Trade Commission recently released Revision 11 to the 2023 Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which extended the dates of subheadings 9903.88.67 and 9903.88.68 through Dec. 31. Both subheadings cover product exclusions from Section 301 tariffs. The 67 subheading covers a variety of pumps, actuators and other mechanical appliances of Chapters 84, 85, 86, and 90. The 68 subheading covers a variety of medical devices.
The Court of International Trade on Sept. 21 ruled in a customs classification case involving eight different categories of decorative plant parts, siding with importer Second Nature Designs on its preferred classification of two of the categories and with the government on one of the categories. Pertaining to three other categories, Judge Gary Katzmann said that there were fact questions remaining, leading the judge to deny summary judgment and advance litigation to its "second phase."
CBP determined that importer Zinus US evaded an antidumping duty order covering wooden bedroom furniture from China by making "material false statements or omissions," it said in a notice released July 28. The agency said there was "substantial evidence" showing Zinus imported Chinese-origin furniture by using general product descriptions and misclassifying the furniture as non-covered merchandise.
The government correctly classified counterweights for mini-excavators as "backhoe" parts, rendering them ineligible for a Section 301 tariff exclusion, CIT Judge Jane Restani ruled in a July 21 opinion.
Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., have reintroduced a bill that would refund some tariffs paid to importers of goods that were hit with tariffs as a result of the Airbus dispute with the EU. The bill also would prohibit future actions by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that would hike tariffs on goods already in transit -- unless the tariffs were on a nonmarket economy, such as China. The bill would require USTR to set an effective date for the tariff hike no sooner than 60 days from the publication of the target list.
There is a "real opportunity" to update the Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes so that "potential tariff benefits" go toward products that are trying to reduce environmental impacts, Recreational Equipment, Inc. Vice President of Sustainability Matthew Thurston said during a panel discussion June 11.
CBP announced the calendar year 2023 tariff rate quota for tuna in airtight containers. It said 13,377,875 kilograms of tuna in airtight containers may be entered and withdrawn from warehouse for consumption during 2023, at the rate of 6% under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 1604.14.22. Any such tuna that is entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption during the current calendar year in excess of this quota will be dutiable at the rate of 12.5% under HTS subheading 1604.14.30.
The International Trade Commission posted Revision 9 to the 2023 Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The semiannual update to the HTS adds new 10-digit tariff numbers for a variety of products, including various varieties of ornamental cut flowers and greens, certified organic vegetables, and medical scrubs and protective equipment.
The International Trade Commission posted Revision 9 to the 2023 Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The semiannual update to the HTS adds new 10-digit tariff numbers for a variety of products, including various varieties of ornamental cut flowers and greens, certified organic vegetables, and medical scrubs and protective equipment. All changes take effect July 1, unless otherwise specified.