Analysis
HTS 8540.12.50 covers non-high definition under heading 8540 (thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (for example, vacuum or vapor or gas…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items.
The general duty rate is 3.3% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 85 (80th percentile of 624 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $330 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 60%, 18.2 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 3.3%. 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.
For statistics it divides in two: 8540.12.50.40 for projection and 8540.12.50.80 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8540.12.10 | Non-high definition | 3.6% |
| 8540.12.20 | Television picture tubes having a straight line dimension across the faceplate greater than 29 cm but having no straight line dimension across the faceplate that exceeds 42 cm: high definition | 3.6% |
| 8540.12.70 | Other: high definition | 3.3% |