Analysis
HTS 9031.90.21 covers of 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.
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.
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, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 5 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
The general rate of Free has not changed in any edition of the schedule since Jan 2023.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9031.90.45 | Bases and frames for the coordinate-measuring machines of subheading 9031.49.40 | Free |
| 9031.90.54 | Of optical instruments and appliances of subheading 9031.41 or 9031.49.70 | Free |
| 9031.90.59 | Of other optical instruments and appliances, other than test benches: other | Free |
| 9031.90.70 | Of articles of subheading 9031.80.40 | Free |
| 9031.90.91 | Other: other | Free |