Analysis
HTS 4012.90.45 covers of natural rubber: other under heading 4012 (retreaded or used pneumatic tires of rubber; solid or cushion tires, tire treads and tire…).
Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to 2.7%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 4012.90.70 (bicycle rim strips), at duty-free: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 4.2 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 4.2% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 40 (89th percentile of 142 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $420 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 4.2%. 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 35%, 8.3 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4012.90.10 | Solid or cushion tires | Free |
| 4012.90.30 | Bicycle rim strips | Free |
| 4012.90.70 | Bicycle rim strips | Free |
| 4012.90.90 | Other: other | 2.7% |