Analysis
HTS 0511.99.36 covers natural sponges of animal origin under heading 0511 (animal products not elsewhere specified or included; dead animals of chapter 1 or 3…).
The general duty rate is 3% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 05 (93rd percentile of 20 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $300 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 1.1%. The costliest confusion would be with 0511.99.33 (horsehair and horsehair waste, whether or not put up as a layer with…) at duty-free, a difference of 3 points on the customs value.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The other lines in the same group are 0511.99.20 (parings and similar waste of raw hides or skins; glue stock…, duty-free), 0511.99.30 (products chiefly used as food for animals or as ingredients…, duty-free), 0511.99.33 (horsehair and horsehair waste, whether or not put up as a…, duty-free) and 0511.99.40 (other: other, 1.1%).
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0511.99.20 | Parings and similar waste of raw hides or skins; glue stock not elsewhere specified or included | Free |
| 0511.99.30 | Products chiefly used as food for animals or as ingredients in such food | Free |
| 0511.99.33 | Horsehair and horsehair waste, whether or not put up as a layer with or without supporting material | Free |
| 0511.99.40 | Other: other | 1.1% |