ITC Proposing HTS Changes for Chemicals, Video Game Controllers, Photographic Film
The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by Feb. 22 on proposed changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule affecting Chapters 29, 30, 37 and 85. The proposals would implement World Customs Organization Harmonized System changes that were mistakenly omitted from earlier HTS modifications, and would also correct mistakes in the classification of some chemical products. Affected products would include sensitized photographic film, video game console controllers, and chemical compounds.
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Changes for Photographic Film, Video Game Console Controllers to Harmonize with WCO
In a 2010 report that proposed over 200 modifications to the HTS resulting from WCO changes to the Harmonized System, the ITC inadvertently omitted modifications of two HTS chapters, it said. The rest of the changes were effective Jan. 1, 2012. The ITC is now proposing to make the following changes to the HTS to harmonize it with WCO provisions:
- Inserting three new HS 6-digit subheadings for sensitized, unexposed photographic film in rolls from HTS chapter 37
- Providing specifically for cordless video game console controllers which use infrared transmissions to operate or access the various functions and capabilities of the console in a duty-free tariff rate line in chapter 85, following the insertion of a new legal note in chapter 95 that excludes these goods from chapter 95
Modifications to Incorrect HTS Provisions for Chemicals
The ITC is also proposing changes to HTS provisions for some chemical products that are either incorrectly named or incompletely described in the current HTS. Comments should address whether the following proposed modifications will affect tariff treatment for these products:
- “1,6-hexanediol bis(3,5-dibutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate)” would be removed from HTS subheading 2918.99.05 and inserted into subheading 2918.29.04
- “4,4'-Methylenebis(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline); 4,4'-Methylenebis(2,6-diisopropylaniline)” would be removed from subheading 2921.42.36 and inserted into subheading 2921.59.17
- Subheading 2933.99.87 (“Hexamethylenetetramine”) would be deleted and its product coverage and rates of duty would be inserted as new subheading 2933.69.50
- A technical correction in the chemical name of the sole product provided for in subheading 2934.31.18 would be made, deleting from the current description “4,1” and inserting in its place “yl”
- The chemical “3-Methylene-7-(2-phenoxyacetamido)-cephan-4-carboxylic acid, p-nitrobenzyl ester, 1-oxide” would be deleted from subheading 2934.99.03
- The chemical “2-Methyl-2,5-dioxo-1-oxa-2-phospholan” would be deleted from subheading 2934.99.70
- The words “modified or” would be inserted after “not” in subheading 3002.10.02 (“Antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products, whether or not obtained by means of biotechnological processes”)