Analysis
HTS 9027.10.40 covers optical instruments and apparatus under heading 9027 (instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters…).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 50% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 50% 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 9027.10.20 (gas or smoke analysis apparatus: electrical, duty-free) and 9027.10.60 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), an industry of 652 US establishments employing 50,576 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 9027.10.20 | Gas or smoke analysis apparatus: electrical | Free |
| 9027.10.60 | Other: other | Free |