Analysis
HTS 8481.10.00 covers pressure-reducing valves under heading 8481 (taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 4 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items and kilograms.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 5.6%. The costliest confusion would be with 8481.80.30 (hand operated: of iron or steel) at 5.6%, a difference of 3.6 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 2% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 84 (63rd percentile of 823 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $200 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 35%, 17.5 times the general rate.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 2%. 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.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8481.20.00 | Valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions | 2% |
| 8481.30.10 | Check (nonreturn) valves: of copper | 3% |
| 8481.30.20 | Check (nonreturn) valves: of iron or steel | 5% |
| 8481.30.90 | Check (nonreturn) valves: other | 3% |
| 8481.40.00 | Safety or relief valves | 2% |
| 8481.80.10 | Hand operated: of copper | 4% |
| 8481.80.30 | Hand operated: of iron or steel | 5.6% |
| 8481.80.50 | Of other materials | 3% |
| 8481.80.90 | Other appliances: other | 2% |
| 8481.90.10 | Of hand operated and check appliances: of copper | 3% |
| 8481.90.30 | Of hand operated and check appliances: of iron or steel | 5% |
| 8481.90.50 | Of other materials | 3% |
| 8481.90.90 | Parts: other | Free |