Analysis
HTS 3815.90.20 covers of mercury or of molybdenum under heading 3815 (reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, not elsewhere…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 6.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 3815.90.10 (of bismuth, of tungsten or of vanadium) at 6.5%, a difference of 3.7 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 2.8% of the customs value, which is at the low end of the rates in chapter 38 (28th percentile of 179 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $280 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 2.8%. 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 other lines in the same group are 3815.90.10 (of bismuth, of tungsten or of vanadium, 6.5%), 3815.90.30 (consisting wholly of inorganic substances: other, duty-free) and 3815.90.50 (other: other, 5%).
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3815.90.10 | Of bismuth, of tungsten or of vanadium | 6.5% |
| 3815.90.30 | Consisting wholly of inorganic substances: other | Free |
| 3815.90.50 | Other: other | 5% |