Analysis
HTS 8501.72.90 covers of an output exceeding 50 W: other under heading 8501 (electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)).
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 2% to 2.5%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 8501.72.30 (of an output exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW), at 2.5%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 0.5 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 2% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 85 (61st percentile of 624 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 civil aircraft agreement, and 14 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8501.72.10 | Of an output not exceeding 750 W | 2.5% |
| 8501.72.20 | Of an output exceeding 750 W but not exceeding 75 kW | 2% |
| 8501.72.30 | Of an output exceeding 75 kW but not exceeding 375 kW | 2.5% |