8479.89.55

Analysis

HTS 8479.89.55 covers electromechanical appliances with self-contained electric motor: trash compactors under heading 8479 (machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included…).

Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to 2.8%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8479.89.92 (automated electronic component placement machines of a kind used…), at duty-free: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 2.8 percentage points.

The general duty rate is 2.8% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 84 (73rd percentile of 823 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $280 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.

The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 40%, 14.3 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 2.8%. 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.