Analysis
HTS 8301.70.00 covers keys presented separately under heading 8301 (padlocks and locks (key, combination or electrically operated), of base metal; clasps and…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in kilograms.
The general duty rate is 4.5% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 83 (81st percentile of 58 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $450 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from 2.3% to 6.1%. The costliest confusion would be with 8301.10.20 (not over 3.8 cm in width) at 2.3%, a difference of 2.2 points on the customs value.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, and 14 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 4.5%. 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 45%, 10.0 times the general rate.
For statistics it divides in two: 8301.70.00.10 for of copper or copper alloys and 8301.70.00.60 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
Statistical suffixes
| Code | Description | Units | NAICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8301.70.00.10 | Of copper or copper alloys | kg | |
| 8301.70.00.60 | Other | kg |
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% |
| 8301.10.50 | 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% |
| 8301.20.00 | Locks of a kind used on motor vehicles | 5.7% |
| 8301.30.00 | Locks of a kind used for furniture | 5.7% |
| 8301.40.30 | Other locks: luggage locks | 3.1% |
| 8301.40.60 | Other locks: other | 5.7% |
| 8301.50.00 | Clasps and frames with clasps, incorporating locks | 3.1% |
| 8301.60.00 | Padlocks and locks (key, combination or electrically operated), of base metal; clasps and frames with clasps, incorporating locks, of base metal; keys and parts of any of the foregoing articles, of base metal: parts | 2.8% |