Analysis
HTS 8472.90.05 covers addressing machines and address plate embossing machines under heading 8472 (other office machines (for example, hectograph or stencil duplicating machines…).
The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 61% of the 823 tariff lines in chapter 84, a useful check when a neighbouring dutiable line is a candidate. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 25% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 25% duty.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 33331 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), an industry of 1,731 US establishments employing 80,504 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
All 5 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
The general rate of Free has not changed in any edition of the schedule since Jan 2023.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8472.90.10 | Automatic teller machines | Free |
| 8472.90.40 | Other: pencil sharpeners | Free |
| 8472.90.50 | Typewriters other than printers of heading 8443; word processing machines | Free |
| 8472.90.60 | Numbering, dating and check-writing machines | Free |
| 8472.90.90 | Other: other | Free |