Analysis
HTS 7320.20.10 covers suitable for motor-vehicle suspension under heading 7320 (springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel).
Within this group the rate runs from duty-free to 3.9%. Compared with 7320.90.10 (other: hairsprings), which pays duty-free, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 3.2 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 3.2% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 73 (83rd percentile of 250 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $320 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
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 3.2%. 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 25%, 7.8 times the general rate.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 332613 (Spring Manufacturing), an industry of 341 US establishments employing 15,671 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7320.10.30 | To be used in motor vehicles having a G.V.W. not exceeding 4 metric tons | 3.2% |
| 7320.10.60 | Suitable for motor vehicle suspension: other | 3.2% |
| 7320.10.90 | Leaf springs and leaves therefor: other | 3.2% |
| 7320.20.50 | Helical springs: other | 3.9% |
| 7320.90.10 | Other: hairsprings | Free |
| 7320.90.50 | Other: other | 2.9% |