Analysis
HTS 2852.90.90 covers other: other under heading 2852 (inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, whether or not chemically defined, excluding…).
Within this group the rate runs from duty-free to 3%. Compared with 2852.90.05 (albuminates, tannates and phosphides of mercury), which pays duty-free, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 3 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 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 general duty rate is 3% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 28 (46th percentile of 274 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 25%, 8.3 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2852.10.10 | Mercuric oxide, mercuric cyanide, mercuric oxycyanide and mercuric potassium cyanide | Free |
| 2852.10.90 | Chemically defined: other | 3% |
| 2852.90.05 | Albuminates, tannates and phosphides of mercury | Free |