Analysis
HTS 3916.10.00 covers of polymers of ethylene under heading 3916 (monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and…).
Within this group the rate runs from 3.1% to 6.5%. Compared with 3916.90.20 (other: racket strings), which pays 3.1%, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 2.7 percentage points.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, 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 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 35%, 6.0 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3916.20.00 | Of polymers of vinyl chloride | 5.8% |
| 3916.90.10 | Of acrylic polymers | 6.5% |
| 3916.90.20 | Other: racket strings | 3.1% |
| 3916.90.30 | Other: monofilament | 6.5% |
| 3916.90.50 | Other: other | 5.8% |