Analysis
HTS 9031.49.10 covers profile projectors under heading 9031 (measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included…).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 45% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 45% 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 9031.49.40 (coordinate-measuring machines, duty-free), 9031.49.70 (for inspecting masks (other than photomasks) used in…, duty-free) and 9031.49.90 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 33331 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), an industry of 1,731 US establishments employing 80,504 people. That is the industry code a US manufacturer of the same product would normally use.
All 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 9031.49.40 | Coordinate-measuring machines | Free |
| 9031.49.70 | For inspecting masks (other than photomasks) used in manufacturing semiconductor devices; for measuring surface particulate contamination on semiconductor devices | Free |
| 9031.49.90 | Other: other | Free |