Analysis
HTS 1214.10.00 covers alfalfa (lucerne) meal and pellets under heading 1214 (rutabagas (swedes), mangolds, fodder roots, hay, alfalfa (lucerne), clover, sainfoin…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 5 ten-digit suffixes, reported in metric tons.
The general duty rate is 1.4% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 12 (80th percentile of 44 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $140 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to duty-free, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 1214.90.00 (rutabagas (swedes), mangolds, fodder roots, hay, alfalfa (lucerne)…), at duty-free: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 1.4 percentage points.
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 1.4%. 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.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1214.90.00 | Rutabagas (swedes), mangolds, fodder roots, hay, alfalfa (lucerne), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets: other | Free |