Analysis
HTS 3202.90.10 covers consisting wholly of inorganic subtances under heading 3202 (synthetic organic tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations…).
Within this group the rate runs from 5% to 6.5%. Compared with 3202.10.50 (synthetic organic tanning substances: other), which pays 6.5%, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 6.5 percentage points.
The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 19% of the 106 tariff lines in chapter 32, a useful check when a neighbouring dutiable line is a candidate. Duty-free at the general rate does not rule out additional duties under Chapter 99, such as Section 301 or Section 232 measures, which depend on the country of origin.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 25% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 25% duty.
The other lines in the same group are 3202.10.10 (aromatic or modified aromatic, 6.5%), 3202.10.50 (synthetic organic tanning substances: other, 6.5%) and 3202.90.50 (other: other, 5%).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 325613 (Surface Active Agent Manufacturing), an industry of 106 US establishments employing 6,174 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3202.10.10 | Aromatic or modified aromatic | 6.5% |
| 3202.10.50 | Synthetic organic tanning substances: other | 6.5% |
| 3202.90.50 | Other: other | 5% |