Analysis
HTS 9005.80.60 covers other instruments: other under heading 9005 (binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings therefor; other…).
Within this group the rate runs from duty-free to 8%. Compared with 9005.10.00 (binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and mountings…), which pays duty-free, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 6 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 6% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 90 (96th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $600 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%. 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%, 7.5 times the general rate.
The other lines in the same group are 9005.10.00 (binoculars, monoculars, other optical telescopes, and…, duty-free), 9005.80.40 (optical telescopes, 8%), 9005.90.40 (incorporating goods of heading 9001 or 9002, The rate applicable to the article of which it is a part or accessory) and 9005.90.80 (parts and accessories (including mountings): other, The rate applicable to the article of which it is a part or accessory).
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 |
| 9005.80.40 | Optical telescopes | 8% |
| 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 |