Analysis
HTS 3917.21.00 covers of polymers of ethylene under heading 3917 (tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 6.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 3917.10.10 (of cellulosic plastics materials) at 6.5%, a difference of 3.4 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 3.1% of the customs value, which is at the low end of the rates in chapter 39 (21st percentile of 236 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $310 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the civil aircraft agreement, and 14 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3.1%. 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 25%, 8.1 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3917.10.10 | Of cellulosic plastics materials | 6.5% |
| 3917.10.60 | Other: of collagen | Free |
| 3917.10.90 | Other: other | 4.2% |
| 3917.22.00 | Of polymers of propylene | 3.1% |
| 3917.23.00 | Of polymers of vinyl chloride | 3.1% |
| 3917.29.00 | Tubes, pipes and hoses, rigid: of other plastics | 3.1% |
| 3917.31.00 | Flexible tubes, pipes and hoses, having a minimum burst pressure of 27.6 MPa | 3.1% |
| 3917.32.00 | Other tubes, pipes and hoses: other, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings | 3.1% |
| 3917.33.00 | Other tubes, pipes and hoses: other, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, with fittings | 3.1% |
| 3917.39.00 | Other tubes, pipes and hoses: other | 3.1% |
| 3917.40.00 | Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics: fittings | 5.3% |