Analysis
HTS 7018.20.00 covers glass microspheres not exceeding 1 mm in diameter under heading 7018 (glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semiprecious stones and similar…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 6.6%. The costliest confusion would be with 7018.10.50 (glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semiprecious…) at duty-free, a difference of 5 points on the customs value.
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 5%. 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 60%, 12.0 times the general rate.
The general duty rate is 5% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 70 (50th percentile of 192 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $500 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7018.10.10 | Imitation pearls and imitation pearl beads of all shapes and colors, drilled or not drilled, but not strung (except temporarily) and not set | 4% |
| 7018.10.20 | Imitation precious or semiprecious stones (except imitation beads thereof) | Free |
| 7018.10.50 | Glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semiprecious stones and similar glass smallwares: other | Free |
| 7018.90.10 | Glass eyes, except prosthetic articles | 3.2% |
| 7018.90.50 | Other: other | 6.6% |