Analysis
HTS 1602.50.21 covers in airtight containers under heading 1602 (other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in kilograms.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 4.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 1602.50.08 (cured or pickled: other) at 4.5%, a difference of 3.1 points on the customs value.
For statistics it divides in two: 1602.50.21.20 for in containers holding less than 1 kg and 1602.50.21.40 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 30%, 21.4 times the general rate.
The general duty rate is 1.4% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 16 (47th percentile of 108 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1602.50.05 | Of bovine animals: offal | 2.3% |
| 1602.50.07 | Corned beef in airtight containers | Free |
| 1602.50.08 | Cured or pickled: other | 4.5% |
| 1602.50.60 | Other: other | 1.8% |
| 1602.50.90 | Other: other | 2.5% |