Switzerland Reciprocal Tariff Cuts Take Retroactive Effect Nov. 14
Cuts to reciprocal tariffs under a recent trade deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein will take retroactive effect Nov. 14, according to a notice from the Commerce Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
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Starting from that date, imports from Switzerland will be subject to a 15% total most-favored nation plus reciprocal tariff rate under new subheading 9903.02.83 if their MFN rate is under 15%. Goods from Switzerland with an MFN rate over 15% will have a zero reciprocal tariff rate under new subheading 9903.02.82. The structure mirrors other recent deals the U.S. has concluded with the EU and Japan.
The notice also lists tariff subheadings for certain Swiss agricultural goods, unavailable natural resources, civil aircraft and generic pharmaceuticals and ingredients that are exempt from reciprocal tariffs effective Nov. 14.
Newly exempt Swiss agricultural goods and unavailable resources will be filed under new subheading 9903.02.84. Newly exempt civil aircraft will be filed under subheading 9903.02.85, and newly exempt generic pharmaceuticals will be filed under new subheading 9903.02.86.
The notice provides the same treatment for goods of Liechtenstein under tariff subheadings 9903.02.88, 9903.02.87, 9903.02.89, 9903.02.90 and 9903.02.91, respectively.
The notice takes effect Dec. 18, but CBP said in a CSMS message that the changes already have been deployed in ACE and that filers should update affected entries filed on or after Nov. 14 "as soon as possible."
"For unliquidated entries for which estimated duties have already been deposited, importers may file a post summary correction (PSC) to request a refund. Upon PSC approval, the refund will be issued at liquidation. For liquidated entries, importers may request a refund by filing a protest within 180 days after liquidation in accordance with 19 U.S.C. 1514," CBP said.
According to the notice, these tariff changes are being made “with the understanding and expectation” that the U.S. will finalize tariff agreements with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by the first quarter of 2026. “If the Agreement is not successfully negotiated by March 31, 2026, the United States will review and reconsider these modifications, as appropriate,” the notice said.