Analysis
HTS 8543.90.12 covers of physical vapor deposition apparatus of subheading 8543.70 under heading 8543 (electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included…).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 35% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 35% duty.
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 58% of the 624 tariff lines in chapter 85 that are also free. Free here means free of the base duty only: origin-specific Chapter 99 duties such as Section 301 can still be owed.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 333242 (Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing), an industry of 170 US establishments employing 28,799 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 6 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Every edition we compared, from Jan 2023 to Oct 2026 (Rev. 22), shows the same general rate of Free.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8543.90.15 | Printed circuit assemblies | Free |
| 8543.90.35 | Assemblies and subassemblies for flight data recorders, consisting of two or more parts or pieces fastened or joined together: other | Free |
| 8543.90.65 | Of flat panel displays other than for articles of heading 8528, except for subheadings 8528.52 or 8528.62 | Free |
| 8543.90.68 | Printed circuit assemblies: other | Free |
| 8543.90.85 | Of flat panel displays other than for articles of heading 8528, except for subheadings 8528.52 or 8528.62 | Free |
| 8543.90.88 | Other: other | Free |