Analysis
HTS 8481.30.20 covers check (nonreturn) valves: of iron or steel 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 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items and kilograms.
The general duty rate is 5% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 84 (97th percentile of 823 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $500 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 3% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8481.30.90 (check (nonreturn) valves: other), at 3%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 2 percentage points.
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 5%. 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 9.0 times the general rate.
For statistics it divides in two: 8481.30.20.10 for of iron and 8481.30.20.90 for of steel. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8481.30.10 | Check (nonreturn) valves: of copper | 3% |
| 8481.30.90 | Check (nonreturn) valves: other | 3% |