Analysis
HTS 9005.80.40 covers optical telescopes under heading 9005 (binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings therefor; other…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in number of items.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 6%. The costliest confusion would be with 9005.10.00 (binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings…) at duty-free, a difference of 8 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 8% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 90 (99th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $800 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 8%. 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 45%, 5.6 times the general rate.
For statistics it divides in two: 9005.80.40.20 for for use with infrared light and 9005.80.40.40 for other. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9005.10.00 | Binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings therefor; other astronomical instruments and mountings therefor, but not including instruments for radio-astronomy; parts and accessories thereof: binoculars | Free |
| 9005.80.60 | Other instruments: other | 6% |
| 9005.90.40 | Incorporating goods of heading 9001 or 9002 | The rate applicable to the article of which it is a part or accessory |
| 9005.90.80 | Parts and accessories (including mountings): other | The rate applicable to the article of which it is a part or accessory |