Analysis
HTS 8423.20.90 covers scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors: other under heading 8423 (weighing machinery (excluding balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better), including…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 2.9%. The costliest confusion would be with 8423.90.10 (parts of weighing machinery using electronic means for gauging…) at duty-free, a difference of 2.9 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 2.9% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 84 (74th percentile of 823 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $290 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 15.5 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 2.9%. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 8423.10.00 | Personal weighing machines, including baby scales; household scales | Free |
| 8423.20.10 | Using electronic means for gauging weights | Free |
| 8423.30.00 | Constant-weight scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container, including hopper scales | Free |
| 8423.81.00 | Having a maximum weighing capacity not exceeding 30 kg | Free |
| 8423.82.00 | Having a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 30 kg but not exceeding 5,000 kg | Free |
| 8423.89.10 | Using electronic means for gauging | Free |
| 8423.89.90 | Other: other | 2.9% |
| 8423.90.10 | Parts of weighing machinery using electronic means for gauging weight, excluding parts of machines for weighing motor vehicles | Free |
| 8423.90.90 | Weighing machine weights of all kinds; parts of weighing machinery: other | 2.8% |