Analysis
HTS 8538.90.30 covers printed circuit assemblies: other under heading 8538 (parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 3.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 8538.90.10 (of an article of heading 8537 for one of the articles described in…) at duty-free, a difference of 3.5 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 3.5% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 85 (83rd percentile of 624 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $350 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, and 14 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3.5%. 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 35%, 10.0 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8538.90.10 | Of an article of heading 8537 for one of the articles described in additional U.S. note 11 to chapter 85 | Free |
| 8538.90.40 | Other: other, for the articles of subheading 8535.90.40, 8536.30.40 or 8536.50.40, of ceramic or metallic materials, electrically or mechanically reactive to changes in temperature | 3.5% |
| 8538.90.60 | Other: molded parts | 3.5% |
| 8538.90.81 | Other: other | 3.5% |