Analysis
HTS 8502.31.00 covers other generating sets: wind-powered under heading 8502 (electric generating sets and rotary converters).
The general duty rate is 2.5% of the customs value, which is in the middle of the rates in chapter 85 (67th percentile of 624 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $250 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from 2% to 3%. The costliest confusion would be with 8502.40.00 (electric rotary converters) at 3%, a difference of 0.5 points on the customs value.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 35%, 14.0 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 2.5%. 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.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 333611 (Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing), an industry of 199 US establishments employing 25,748 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8502.11.00 | Of an output not exceeding 75 kVA | 2.5% |
| 8502.12.00 | Of an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA | 2.5% |
| 8502.13.00 | Of an output exceeding 375 kVA | 2% |
| 8502.20.00 | Generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines | 2% |
| 8502.39.00 | Other generating sets: other | 2.5% |
| 8502.40.00 | Electric rotary converters | 3% |