Analysis
HTS 7114.11.30 covers with sterling silver handles under heading 7114 (articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares and parts thereof, of precious metal or of…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from 2.7% to 3.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 7114.11.20 (forks with silver handles) at 2.7%, a difference of 0.6 points on the customs value.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 65%, 19.7 times the general rate.
The general duty rate is 3.3% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 71 (60th percentile of 108 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $330 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 3.3%. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7114.11.10 | Knives with silver handles | 2.8% |
| 7114.11.20 | Forks with silver handles | 2.7% |
| 7114.11.40 | Spoons and ladles: other | 3.5% |
| 7114.11.45 | Sets of the foregoing which include two or more knives, forks, spoons or ladles | 3% |
| 7114.11.50 | Sterling silver tableware | 3.3% |
| 7114.11.60 | Articles not elsewhere specified or included of a type used for household, table or kitchen use; toilet and sanitary wares; all the foregoing and parts thereof, of silver: other | 3% |
| 7114.11.70 | Of silver, whether or not plated or clad with other precious metal: other | 3% |