CBP said it updated information on a frequently asked question on the basics for duty rates.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is a reference manual that provides 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 the Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the HTS.
The House didn't hold a scheduled July 24 vote on HR-5986, a trade bill that would extend African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provisions and extend Burmese import restrictions. The House bill was scheduled for consideration under suspension of the rules, meaning a markup from the House Ways and Means Committee, where the bill originated, won't be required. No reason for the delay was given.
CBP will open a new comment period on proposed changes to the in-bond process after it didn't post a small business regulatory analysis quickly enough following the initial Federal Register notice (FR Pub 02/22/12). A notice on the new comment period ran July 26 in the Federal Register. Comments, solely on the small business analysis, are due Aug. 27. The comment period for the initial proposal concluded April 23.
Effective immediately, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) tables in the AES have been updated to accept the changes to the 2012 codes, the Census Bureau said. AES will accept shipments with outdated 2012 codes during a grace period for 30 days beyond the expiration date of June 30, 2012. Reporting an outdated 2012 code after the 30 day grace period will result in a fatal error, it said.
The U.S. Department of the Interior said it reviewed the rules proposed by the National Marine Fisheries Service that would lift the trade restrictions on importing bigeye tuna from Bolivia and Georgia but didn't have any comments "at this time." The proposed rule would also make administrative changes to the section containing species-specific harmonized tariff codes in support of the International Trade Program. Comments are due July 25. In the rulemaking, NMFS would also consider administrative changes in support of the International Trade Permit (ITP) program to implement recent changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said the House would consider HR-5986, a trade bill that mirrors Senate legislation, July 24. The House bill will be considered under suspension of the rules, meaning a markup from the House Ways and Means Committee, where the bill originated, won't be required. A similar Senate bill, S-3326, was recently approved by the Senate Finance Committee during a markup.
The International Trade Administration updated its FTA Tariff Tool to include textiles and apparel products classified within Chapters 39, 42, 50-65, 70, and 94 of the Harmonized System. The online tool allows users to see how U.S. and free trade agreement partner tariffs on individual products—searchable by keyword or tariff code—are treated under an FTA.
The U.S. Court of International Trade granted a Justice Department motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction in the case of Chrysal USA vs. the U.S. Chrysal had sought to challenge the tariff classification of "flower food" which was among the various products included in 17 entries of merchandise that Chrysal imported into the U.S. in 2008.
The International Trade Administration announced it issued an Export Trade Certificate of Review to Panama Poultry Export Quota, Inc. (PAN-PEQ) for the export of chicken leg quarters to Panama. Specifically, the export certificate of review covers chicken leg quarters (or parts of chicken leg quarters, including legs or thighs), fresh, chilled or frozen seasoned or unseasoned, marinated or not marinated, classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheadings 0207.13.99, 0207.14.99 and 1602.32.00, subject to some conditions. The ITA said any person aggrieved by this determination may, within 30 days, bring an action in any appropriate district court of the U.S. to set aside the determination on the ground that the determination is erroneous (i.e., by about Aug. 16).
CBP plans two Informed Compliance Seminars in Boston July 31, said CBP in a public information notice. Information on the classification of building stone and household glassware, under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, will be presented by Jacob Bunin, CBP’s National Import Specialist for these products. The presentation will be at the Thomas P. O’Neill Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, Conference Room 176B Boston, MA 02222. The presentation on building stone will go from 9 -11 a.m. and the presentation on household glassware will go from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendance is free but advance registration is requested by July 24 and is limited to the first 60 registrants for each session.