Analysis
HTS 9011.20.40 covers provided with a means for photographing the image under heading 9011 (compound optical microscopes, including those for photomicrography, cinemicrography or…).
The general duty rate is 3.9% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 90 (89th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $390 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 7.2%. The costliest confusion would be with 9011.90.00 (parts and accessories) at duty-free, a difference of 3.9 points on the customs value.
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 3.9%. 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 20%, 5.1 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9011.10.40 | Provided with a means for photographing the image | Free |
| 9011.10.80 | Stereoscopic microscopes: other | Free |
| 9011.20.80 | Other microscopes, for photomicrography, cinemicrography or microprojection: other | 7.2% |
| 9011.80.00 | Compound optical microscopes, including those for photomicrography, cinemicrography or microprojection; parts and accessories thereof: other microscopes | Free |
| 9011.90.00 | Parts and accessories | Free |