9027.50.10

Analysis

HTS 9027.50.10 covers other instruments and apparatus using optical radiations (ultraviolet, visible, infrared): exposure meters under heading 9027 (instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters…).

The general duty rate is 1.2% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 90 (76th percentile of 296 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $120 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.

Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to duty-free, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 9027.50.80 (other: other), at duty-free: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 1.2 percentage points.

The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 27.5%, 22.9 times the general rate.

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 1.2%. 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.