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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. 

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CIT Says Mediation Unsuccessful in Section 232 Exclusion Matter
February 6, 2024 by Jacob Kopnick|Litigation

The Court of International Trade's mediation in a challenge from importer California Steel Industries seeking exclusions from Section 232 steel and aluminum duties "did not result in a settlement," the court said in a Feb. 2 report of mediation. While Judge M. Miller Baker presides over the case, Judge Leo Gordon served as "Judge Mediator" for the process, which wrapped up Feb. 1 (California Steel Industries v. U.S., CIT # 21-00015).

Topics:Court of International Trade activity, Section 232 Exclusions
Smart Shopping Cart Classified as a Vehicle, CBP Rules
February 5, 2024 by Noah Garfinkel|Customs Rulings

CBP ruled that the Caper Cart, a "'smart' shopping cart" imported by Instacart, is classified as a vehicle under Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 8716. The agency said in a customs ruling released Jan. 12 that the cart is "essentially" a manually propelled vehicle that transports goods and functions as a cart, regardless of whether the electronic payment features and point-of-sale system are on the cart.

Topics:Tariff classification rulings, Country of origin cases
Correction: Fit for Life Partners With Footwear, Apparel Companies
February 5, 2024 by Kathryn Nucci|Litigation

Correction: Fit for Life, a company that partners with brands such as Gaiam, Reebok, New Balance and Adidas, said at the Court of International Trade that CBP should have classified its imported balance ball chairs as seats of rubber or plastic, a duty-free provision under Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 9401, rather than as “other articles and equipment for general physical exercises” under heading 9506, which carries a 4.6% duty (see 2402010049).

Topics:Court of International Trade activity
Importer of Balance Ball Chairs Says Its Chairs Are Furniture, Not Exercise Equipment
February 2, 2024 by Kathryn Nucci|Litigation

Fit for Life, a company that partners with brands such as Gaiam, Reebok, New Balance and Adidas, said at the Court of International Trade that CBP should have classified its imported balance ball chairs as seats of rubber or plastic, a duty-free provision under Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 9401, rather than as “other articles and equipment for general physical exercises” under heading 9506, which carries a 4.6% duty (Fit for Life LLC v. U.S., CIT # 20-00004).

Topics:Court of International Trade activity, Country of origin cases
Importer Scraps Customs Suit on Whether Pet ID Tags Excluded From Section 301 Duties
February 1, 2024 by Jacob Kopnick|Litigation

Importer MCM Technologies on Jan. 30 dismissed its suit challenging CBP's denial of its protest regarding the classification of its pet identification tags. The importer said the tags, which are classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 8302.49.4000, qualify for an exclusion from Section 301 tariffs under secondary subheading 9903.88.4800. Counsel for MCM Technologies declined to comment (MCM Technologies v. U.S., CIT # 22-00005).

Topics:Court of International Trade activity