Things to Know about HTUS Codes

• Describe HTUS codes for imported products.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection use harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes (CBP) to classify imported goods. These codes are based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System (HS) codes, used by over 200 countries to classify goods for tariff and statistical purposes. HTS codes are used to determine the rate of duty that will be applied to a particular product. Importers are responsible for correctly classifying their goods using the appropriate HTS code. The codes are typically 10-digit numbers, with the first six digits being the HS code and the last four digits being country-specific.

• How do you decide which HTS code to use for a given product?

Deciding which Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code to use for a product requires careful research and analysis.

1. First, consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to find the appropriate HTS code for the product. The HTSUS is a comprehensive list of all goods imported into the United States and their corresponding HTS codes.
2. Look at the descriptions and notes provided with each code to ensure that they accurately describe the product in question.
3. Consult the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) to determine the correct classification of the product. The GRI is a set of guidelines used to interpret the HTSUS and determine the correct classification of goods.
4. If the product is not clearly classified by the HTSUS, you may need to consult other sources of information, such as the CBP’s rulings, case law, and technical literature, as well as consulting with experts in the field.
5. Once you have determined the correct HTS code for the product, it’s important to verify it with CBP by submitting a binding ruling request.

It’s important to note that the classification of a product under a particular HTS code is not always straightforward and may require expertise, research and professional guidance.

• How do you know if an HTS code is on the US anti-dumping list?

The United States maintains a list of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for products subject to anti-dumping duties. These duties are imposed on imported goods sold at less than fair value and are causing material injury to a domestic industry in the United States.

To determine if a specific HTS code is on the US anti-dumping list, you can check the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) website. The ITA maintains an up-to-date list of all active anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders, which includes the HTS codes for the products subject to these duties.

You can also check the website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the most current information on the anti-dumping and countervailing duty rates for a specific product by searching the CBP’s Automated Targeting System (ATS) and look for the “Dumping Margin” and “Countervailing Duty Rate” fields.

It’s important to note that the list of HTS codes on the anti-dumping list may change over time, so it is important to check for updates regularly. Also, it’s important to consult with a trade attorney or expert to ensure compliance with regulations.

• How do you know which HTS codes have Section 301 countervailing duties and at what rate?

The United States maintains a list of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for products subject to countervailing duties (CVD) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. These duties are imposed on imported goods subsidized by foreign governments and are causing material injury to domestic industry in the United States.

To determine the HTS codes that have countervailing duties and at what rate, you can check the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) website. The ITA maintains an up-to-date list of all active countervailing duty orders, which includes the HTS codes for the products subject to these duties and the corresponding duty rates.

You can also check the website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the most current information on the countervailing duty rates for a specific product by searching the CBP’s Automated Targeting System (ATS) and looking for the “Countervailing Duty Rate” field.

It’s important to note that the list of HTS codes and corresponding duty rates under Section 301 may change over time, so it is important to check for updates regularly. Also, it’s important to consult with a trade attorney or expert to ensure compliance with regulations.

• What exemptions are there to Section 301 countervailing duties?

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the United States to impose countervailing duties (CVD) on imported goods that are subsidized by foreign governments and causing material injury to a domestic industry in the United States, has several exemptions:

1. De Minimis Exemption: Imports of a specific product from a specific country that do not exceed a certain dollar value or quantity in a given year are generally not subject to CVD.
2. Small Quantity Exemption: Imports of a specific product from a specific country that do not exceed a certain quantity in a given year are generally not subject to CVD.
3. Least Developed Country Exemption: Imports of a specific product from a least-developed country are generally not subject to CVD.
4. Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) Exemption: Imports of textiles and clothing products that are subject to the provisions of the ATC are generally not subject to CVD.
5. National Security Exemption: Imports determined to be essential to the United States national security are generally not subject to CVD.

It’s important to note that these exemptions may change over time and may not always apply, so it is important to check for updates regularly and consult with a trade attorney or expert to ensure compliance with regulations.