The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced that it approved another group of tariff exclusions for products hit by the List 3 China 301 tariffs, including several outdoor products. As a result, any company can gain tariff relief on items that match the product description approved by the USTR. We are writing to provide you with the details on these exclusions to ensure that OIA members are able to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce their tariff costs.
To learn more about this exclusion process and how to take advantage of it to reduce your tariff costs, join us for a webinar this Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. (ET).
The group of product exclusions is retroactive to Sept. 24, 2018, and will be valid through Aug. 7, 2020. Here are some examples of the products included:
- Backpacks with hydration packs
- Bikes
- Duffel bags
- Messenger bags
In order to claim this exclusion, your product must match the product description, and you should use Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 9903.88.45 when importing your product.
Again, any importer can benefit from a granted exclusion if the product matches both the subheading and the exact specifications of the granted product description. If your product matches the written description but is not currently classified under that provided HTS, we recommend that you check with your customs broker or counsel to review its applicable classification.
To claim duty refunds using a product exclusion, importers can either submit a post-summary correction (PSC) or file a protest. For future imports, the Chapter 99 number assigned to that product exclusion must be used on entries and entry summaries. Guidance on this process issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can be found here.
We will keep you updated on any future developments on China 301 product exclusions.
