Analysis
HTS 9015.80.60 covers other: seismographs under heading 9015 (surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic…).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 40% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 40% duty.
Goods classified here enter the United States duty-free at the general (normal trade relations) rate, as do about 73% of the 296 tariff lines in chapter 90. Duty-free at the general rate does not rule out additional duties under Chapter 99, such as Section 301 or Section 232 measures, which depend on the country of origin.
The other lines in the same group are 9015.80.20 (optical instruments and appliances, duty-free) and 9015.80.80 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing), an industry of 913 US establishments employing 34,818 people. That is the industry code a US manufacturer of the same product would normally use.
All 2 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9015.80.20 | Optical instruments and appliances | Free |
| 9015.80.80 | Other: other | Free |