Analysis
HTS 7408.21.00 covers of copper-zinc base alloys (brass) under heading 7408 (copper wire).
The general duty rate is 3% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 74 (74th percentile of 89 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $300 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 1% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 7408.11.30 (with a maximum cross-sectional dimension over 9.5 mm), at 1%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 2 percentage points.
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%. 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 28%, 9.3 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7408.11.30 | With a maximum cross-sectional dimension over 9.5 mm | 1% |
| 7408.11.60 | With a maximum cross-sectional dimension over 6 mm but not over 9.5 mm | 3% |
| 7408.19.00 | Of refined copper: other | 3% |
| 7408.22.10 | Coated or plated with metal | 3% |
| 7408.22.50 | Not coated or plated with metal | 3% |
| 7408.29.10 | Coated or plated with metal | 3% |
| 7408.29.50 | Not coated or plated with metal | 3% |