Analysis
HTS 8544.49.20 covers for a voltage not exceeding 80 V: other under heading 8544 (insulated (including enameled or anodized) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 5.3%. The costliest confusion would be with 8544.49.10 (of a kind used for telecommunications) 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.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 40%, 11.4 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 3.5%. 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8544.49.10 | Of a kind used for telecommunications | Free |
| 8544.49.30 | Other: of copper | 5.3% |
| 8544.49.90 | Other: other | 3.9% |