Analysis
HTS 9013.10.50 covers other: other under heading 9013 (lasers, other than laser diodes; other optical appliances and instruments, not specified…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from duty-free to 14.9%. The costliest confusion would be with 9013.10.10 (not designed for use with infrared light) at 14.9%, a difference of 9.6 points on the customs value.
The general duty rate is 5.3% of the customs value, which is among the highest the rates in chapter 90 (94th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $530 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 5.3%. 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%, 8.5 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9013.10.10 | Not designed for use with infrared light | 14.9% |
| 9013.10.30 | Telescopic sights for rifles: other | 1.4% |
| 9013.10.45 | Telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of this chapter of section XVI | Free |