Analysis
HTS 6204.33.20 covers containing 36 percent or more by weight of flax fibers (635) under heading 6204 (women's or girls' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from 7.1% to 27.3%. The costliest confusion would be with 6204.33.50 (of synthetic fibers: other) at 27.3%, a difference of 24.5 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 62 (16th percentile of 352 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 35%, 12.5 times the general rate.
Goods that qualify under the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, the Israel FTA, and 9 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6204.33.10 | Containing 30 percent or more by weight of silk or silk waste (635) | 7.1% |
| 6204.33.40 | Containing 36 percent or more by weight of wool or fine animal hair | 46.3¢/kg + 21% |
| 6204.33.50 | Of synthetic fibers: other | 27.3% |