Analysis
HTS 7307.91.50 covers flanges: other under heading 7307 (tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves), of iron or steel). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 4 ten-digit suffixes, reported in kilograms.
The general duty rate is 5.5% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 73 (92nd percentile of 250 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $550 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from 3.2% to 3.3%. The costliest confusion would be with 7307.91.30 (of alloy steel (except stainless steel)) at 3.2%, a difference of 2.3 points on the customs value.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 5.5%. 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. Reduced but not zero rates apply under some agreements: 2.75% for JP.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 8.2 times the general rate.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7307.91.10 | Of iron or nonalloy steel | 3.3% |
| 7307.91.30 | Of alloy steel (except stainless steel) | 3.2% |