Analysis
HTS 0904.22.73 covers mixtures of mashed or macerated hot red peppers and salt under heading 0904 (pepper of the genus Piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum…).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 85% of the 48 tariff lines in chapter 09 that are also free. Free here means free of the base duty only: origin-specific Chapter 99 duties such as Section 301 can still be owed.
The other lines in the same group are 0904.22.20 (of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika…, 3¢/kg), 0904.22.40 (anaheim and ancho pepper, 5¢/kg), 0904.22.76 (of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika…, 5¢/kg) and 0904.22.80 (of the genus Pimenta (including allspice), duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 311942 (Spice and Extract Manufacturing), an industry of 473 US establishments employing 25,339 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 4 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0904.22.20 | Of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika and red pepper): paprika | 3¢/kg |
| 0904.22.40 | Anaheim and ancho pepper | 5¢/kg |
| 0904.22.76 | Of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika and red pepper): other | 5¢/kg |
| 0904.22.80 | Of the genus Pimenta (including allspice) | Free |