Analysis
HTS 9001.10.00 covers optical fibers, optical fiber bundles and cables under heading 9001 (optical fibers and optical fiber bundles; optical fiber cables other than those of…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 5 ten-digit suffixes, reported in metres.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 2%. The costliest confusion would be with 9001.90.90 (other: other) at duty-free, a difference of 6.7 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 6.7% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 90 (97th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $670 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 6.7%. 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 65%, 9.7 times the general rate.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9001.20.00 | Sheets and plates of polarizing material | Free |
| 9001.30.00 | Optical fibers and optical fiber bundles; optical fiber cables other than those of heading 8544; sheets and plates of polarizing material; lenses (including contact lenses), prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, unmounted, other than such elements of glass not optically worked: contact lenses | 2% |
| 9001.40.00 | Spectacle lenses of glass | 2% |
| 9001.50.00 | Spectacle lenses of other materials | 2% |
| 9001.90.40 | Other: lenses | Free |
| 9001.90.50 | Other: prisms | Free |
| 9001.90.60 | Other: mirrors | Free |
| 9001.90.80 | Halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes | Free |
| 9001.90.90 | Other: other | Free |