The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice announcing that the U.S. intends to initiate negotiations with the Republic of Korea (Korea) on a free trade agreement (FTA). (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/06/06 news, 06020699 1, for previous BP summary announcing that the U.S. and South Korea plan to negotiate a FTA.)
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.
Recent CIT Rulings on Classification of Certain Tabletop Fountains and Incorrect Duty Rate in Ruling
Classification of certain tabletop fountains as pumps. In Conair Corporation v. U.S., the Court of International Trade (CIT) agreed with the importer and ruled that certain tabletop fountains known as "Serenity Ponds" are classifiable under HTS 8413.70.2004 as "submersible pumps," which are duty-free.
Broker Power recently reported that according to sources at CBP headquarters, CBP expects to accept a China-origin entry of cotton or manmade fiber (MMF) knit shirts or blouses classified under a "Note 6" tariff number (i.e. one that claims an exclusion from the 338/339pt or 638/639pt China quota) if there is a binding ruling for the merchandise agreeing to the "Note 6" quota exclusion.
On December 22, 2005, President Bush issued Proclamation 7971 which amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and makes other changes in order to implement the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MFTA).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began enforcing new quotas on certain textile and apparel products originating in China that are exported on or after January 1, 2006 in accordance with a recent U.S. and China textile agreement for the 2006 - 2008 period.
The Census Bureau has posted to its Web site a list of 183 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers that are invalid for use in the Automated Export System (AES) as of January 1, 2006.
AES and AES Direct to Accept Either 2005 or 2006 Schedule B and HTS Numbers Through January 31, 2006
The Bureau of Census (Census) has issued an Automated Export System (AES) broadcast stating that Schedule B and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) tables in the Automated Export System (AES) have been updated to accept changes to the 2006 codes.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has posted to its Web site the 2006 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTS). The ITC states that this version of the HTS includes changes resulting from the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MFTA), which is effective January 1, 2006, as well as other changes that have occurred since the publication of the 2005 HTS, Supplement 1 in July 2005.
On December 22, 2005, President Bush issued Proclamation 7971 to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), etc., to implement the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MFTA).
According to sources at the International Trade Commission (ITC), its issuance of the 2006 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) could be delayed until the end of 2005.