ITC Seeks Proposals for Changes to International HS Tariff Schedule in 2033
The International Trade Commission is accepting proposals for changes to the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System tariff schedule for potential adoption in 2033, it said in a notice. The proposals will be reviewed by the ITC, CBP and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and will be "made a part of the Commission’s record keeping system and available for public inspection." Proposals are due to the ITC by Oct. 1, 2027.
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Proposals should include specific modifications to the HS tariff schedule, including section and chapter notes and the texts of 4-digit and 6-digit tariff headings. In particular, proposed changes should “describe new products or technologies, modify or eliminate unclear or obsolete categories, or otherwise advance the goals set out by the HS Convention,” the ITC said. Changes to U.S. 8-digit and 10-digit subheadings, rates of duty and additional U.S. notes won’t be considered.
The ITC “particularly invites proposals” on the deletion of HS headings with low trade volume, the creation of new 4-digit headings and 6-digit headings for goods that are important in international trade, simplification of the HS, or other changes “that would improve the classification of products, especially those being exported from the United States, or assist in the administration of the HS and the more uniform classification of goods internationally,” the ITC said.
The WCO updates the HS every five years. The most recent update occurred in 2022 (see 2112270026). The next update is set for January 2028 (see 2310120045).