Analysis
HTS 6811.40.00 covers containing asbestos under heading 6811 (articles of asbestos-cement, of cellulose fiber-cement or the like).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 60% of the 67 tariff lines in chapter 68 that are also free. Duty-free at the general rate does not rule out additional duties under Chapter 99, such as Section 301 or Section 232 measures, which depend on the country of origin.
The other lines in the same group are 6811.81.00 (not containing asbestos: corrugated sheets, duty-free), 6811.82.00 (not containing asbestos: other sheets, panels, tiles and…, duty-free), 6811.89.10 (tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings, duty-free) and 6811.89.90 (other articles: other articles, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 327999 (All Other Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing), an industry of 415 US establishments employing 11,803 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 4 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 6811.81.00 | Not containing asbestos: corrugated sheets | Free |
| 6811.82.00 | Not containing asbestos: other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles | Free |
| 6811.89.10 | Tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings | Free |
| 6811.89.90 | Other articles: other articles | Free |