Analysis
HTS 3913.90.20 covers polysaccharides and their derivatives under heading 3913 (natural polymers (for example, alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (for example…). 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 6.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 3913.90.10 (chemical derivatives of natural rubber) at duty-free, a difference of 5.8 points on the customs value.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 5.8%. 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 column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 50%, 8.6 times the general rate.
The general duty rate is 5.8% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 39 (61st percentile of 236 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $580 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
For statistics it divides in two: 3913.90.20.15 for xanthan gum and 3913.90.20.90 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3913.90.10 | Chemical derivatives of natural rubber | Free |
| 3913.90.50 | Other: other | 6.5% |