Analysis
HTS 8465.20.80 covers machining centers: other under heading 8465 (machine tools (including machines for nailing, stapling, glueing or otherwise assembling)…).
The general duty rate is 2.4% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 84 (65th percentile of 823 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $240 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 2.9% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8465.20.10 (for sawing, planing, milling, molding, grinding, sanding, polishing…), at 3%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 0.6 percentage points.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 35%, 14.6 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 2.4%. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 8465.20.10 | For sawing, planing, milling, molding, grinding, sanding, polishing, drilling or mortising | 3% |
| 8465.20.50 | For bending or assembling | 2.9% |