Analysis
HTS 9018.11.30 covers electrocardiographs under heading 9018 (instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences…).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 35% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 35% duty.
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 73% of the 296 tariff lines in chapter 90 that are also free. 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 9018.11.60 (printed circuit assemblies, duty-free) and 9018.11.90 (electrocardiographs, and parts and accessories thereof…, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 334510 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing), an industry of 892 US establishments employing 94,361 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 9018.11.60 | Printed circuit assemblies | Free |
| 9018.11.90 | Electrocardiographs, and parts and accessories thereof: other | Free |