TRADE ALERT

2007 HTS Draft Changes Posted to ITC Website

(January 4, 2007)

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has posted to its website the Harmonized Tariff Schedule changes at the full 10-digit level, as well as any new or amended notes or headings. It is available at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had earlier issued a notice stating that a blanket authorization will be offered for the period 10 days prior to the effective date that will allow filers to take advantage of any lower duty rates, etc., contained therein.

Although the details are sketchy and no instructions have yet been issued, CBP sources have previously stated that the agency expects to provide a 15-day grace period after the implementation for the refiling of entries, which are rejected due to classification errors resulting from changes.

Although the tariff changes are designed to ensure substantial rate neutrality, in certain instances the duty rate for a product may change.

It is critical that importers and exporters immediately review the impact of these changes on their company’s products as well as inform their brokers and forwarders to use the new, correct classifications when the changes go into effect.

Deringer's consulting & regulatory affairs group offers a full scope of services to support importers/exporters, carriers, and supply chain partners, and can assist importers in obtaining rulings and researching how these modifications may affect them. For more information regarding this advisory, please call 518-297-3511, or email us at consulting@anderinger.com