Analysis
HTS 8301.10.50 covers over 6.4 cm in width under heading 8301 (padlocks and locks (key, combination or electrically operated), of base metal; clasps and…).
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 2.3% to 6.1%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8301.10.60 (not over 3.8 cm in width), at 6.1%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 2.5 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 3.6%. 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 general duty rate is 3.6% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 83 (56th percentile of 58 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $360 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 28.5%, 7.9 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8301.10.20 | Not over 3.8 cm in width | 2.3% |
| 8301.10.40 | Over 3.8 cm but not over 6.4 cm in width | 3.8% |
| 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% |