Analysis
HTS 7505.12.30 covers bars and rods: not cold-formed under heading 7505 (nickel bars, rods, profiles and wire).
The general duty rate is 2.5% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 75 (36th percentile of 28 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $250 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 3% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 7505.12.50 (of nickel alloys: profiles), at 3%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 0.5 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 2.5%. 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 25%, 10.0 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7505.12.10 | Bars and rods: cold-formed | 3% |
| 7505.12.50 | Of nickel alloys: profiles | 3% |