Analysis
HTS 8301.10.20 covers not over 3.8 cm in width under heading 8301 (padlocks and locks (key, combination or electrically operated), of base metal; clasps and…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from 3.6% to 6.1%. The costliest confusion would be with 8301.10.60 (not over 3.8 cm in width) at 6.1%, a difference of 3.8 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 2.3% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 83 (30th percentile of 58 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $230 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 39.5%, 17.2 times the general rate.
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 2.3%. 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8301.10.40 | Over 3.8 cm but not over 6.4 cm in width | 3.8% |
| 8301.10.50 | Over 6.4 cm in width | 3.6% |
| 8301.10.60 | Not over 3.8 cm in width | 6.1% |
| 8301.10.80 | Over 3.8 cm but not over 6.4 cm in width | 4.8% |
| 8301.10.90 | Over 6.4 cm in width | 4.2% |