Analysis
HTS 7202.21.90 covers containing by weight more than 90 percent of silicon under heading 7202 (ferroalloys).
The general duty rate is 5.8% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 72 (99th percentile of 262 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $580 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from 1.1% to 1.9%. The costliest confusion would be with 7202.21.10 (containing by weight more than 3 percent of calcium) at 1.1%, a difference of 4.7 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 5.8%. 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 40%, 6.9 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7202.21.10 | Containing by weight more than 3 percent of calcium | 1.1% |
| 7202.21.50 | Containing by weight more than 55 percent but not more than 80 percent of silicon: other | 1.5% |
| 7202.21.75 | Containing by weight more than 80 percent but not more than 90 percent of silicon | 1.9% |