Analysis
HTS 6213.90.05 covers containing 70 percent or more by weight of silk or silk waste under heading 6213 (handkerchiefs).
Within this group the rate runs from 3.8% to 10.8%. Compared with 6213.90.10 (of man-made fibers (630)), which pays 10.8%, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 9.7 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 1.1% of the customs value, which is at the low end of the rates in chapter 62 (9th percentile of 352 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $110 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 60%, 54.5 times the general rate.
The other lines in the same group are 6213.90.07 (of silk or silk waste: other (859), 3.8%), 6213.90.10 (of man-made fibers (630), 10.8%) and 6213.90.20 (of other textile materials: other (859), 5.3%).
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 1.1%. 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6213.90.07 | Of silk or silk waste: other (859) | 3.8% |
| 6213.90.10 | Of man-made fibers (630) | 10.8% |
| 6213.90.20 | Of other textile materials: other (859) | 5.3% |