Analysis
HTS 8308.20.60 covers tubular or bifurcated rivets: other under heading 8308 (clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets and the like, of…).
Within this group the rate runs from duty-free to 3.9%. Compared with 8308.90.60 (buckles and buckle clasps, and parts thereof), which pays 3.9%, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 3.9 percentage points.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 45% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 45% duty.
The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 26% of the 58 tariff lines in chapter 83, a useful check when a neighbouring dutiable line is a candidate. Duty-free at the general rate does not rule out additional duties under Chapter 99, such as Section 301 or Section 232 measures, which depend on the country of origin.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing), an industry of 721 US establishments employing 37,521 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8308.10.00 | Hooks, eyes and eyelets | 1.1¢/kg + 2.9% |
| 8308.20.30 | Of iron or steel and not brightened, not lathed and not machined | Free |
| 8308.90.30 | Beads and spangles of base metal | Free |
| 8308.90.60 | Buckles and buckle clasps, and parts thereof | 3.9% |
| 8308.90.90 | Other, including parts: other | 2.7% |