Analysis
HTS 9615.90.20 covers nonthermic, nonornamental devices for curling the hair under heading 9615 (combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and…).
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 8.1%. 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.
The general duty rate is 8.1% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 96 (83rd percentile of 104 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $810 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 5.1% to 11%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 9615.90.30 (other: hair pins), at 5.1%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 3 percentage points.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 5.6 times the general rate.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9615.90.30 | Other: hair pins | 5.1% |
| 9615.90.40 | Of rubber or plastics, not set with imitation pearls or imitation gemstones | 5.3% |
| 9615.90.60 | Other: other | 11% |