The International Trade Commission is expected to post the 2010 Harmonized Tariff Schedule to its Web site before January 1, 2010, according to sources at the ITC.
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.
In StoreWall, LLC,, v U.S., the United States Court of International Trade ruled that certain wall panels and locator tabs manufactured in Taiwan are prima facie classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading 3926.90.98 as "Other articles of Plastics" at 5.3 percent and not under subheading 9403.70.80 or 9403.90.50 as "Other Furniture of Plastic and parts" at a free rate of duty.
On June 30, 2008, President Bush issued Proclamation 8272 to modify duty-free treatment and certain designations under the Generalized System of Preferences and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and make technical changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
President Obama has ordered the Federal Government to close for the last half of the work day on December 24, 2009, except to the extent that executive branch departments and agencies determine that certain offices and installations must remain open and that certain employees must remain on duty for the full scheduled workday, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need. (FR Pub 12/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-30020.htm)
On December 14, 2009, U.S. Trade Representative Kirk notified Congress that President Obama intends to enter into negotiations of a regional, Asia-Pacific trade agreement, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Trade Agreement, with the objective of shaping a high-standard, broad-based regional free trade agreement1.
CBP has posted Acting Commissioner Ahern's remarks, as prepared, for CBP's 2009 Trade Symposium. Among other things, Ahern discussed transitioning to a new commissioner, 100% scanning, 10+2, ACE, etc. (See ITT's Online Archives or 12/09/09 news, 09120905, for BP summary of Ahern discussing 10+2 at the Trade Symposium.)(Remarks, posted 12/10/09, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/commissioner/speeches_statements/ahern_2009_trade.xml)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service posted new guidance in November 2009 on filing Lacey Act Declarations for articles containing composite, recycled, or reused materials.
"Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions" is a regular feature of International Trade Today. The following are brief summaries of recent Capitol Hill actions.
On November 19, 2009, Representative McDermott (D) introduced H.R. 4128, the "Conflict Minerals Trade Act," a bill to help stop trade in conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).