ITC considers changes to Harmonized Tariff Schedule

The U.S. International Trade Commission is preparing to make changes to the HTS’s product categories based on those recently prescribed by the World Customs Organization.    The U.S. International Trade Commission, keeper of the product category system of the country’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule, is preparing to make changes to the HTS based on those recently prescribed by the World Customs Organization.
   HTS product category changes include certain fish, wood and wood products, and bed nets of warp knit fabrics.
   The ITC has started an investigation that it said “will lead to recommendations to the president on necessary modifications to the U.S. HTS for these products.”
   The United States and other countries have until Jan. 1, 2018 to incorporate the HTS changes.
   The ITC has posted the WCO document outlining the changes on its website. “As a first step, importers and exporters can view the document to determine whether they are affected,” ITC said.
   The commission expects to issue its proposed recommendations on the HTS category changes by February 2016. At that time, it will seek public comments on the proposed recommendations. In July 2016, the recommendations will be submitted to the president via the U.S. Trade Representative. “Following expiration of a 60-day layover period before the Congress, the president may proclaim the modifications to the HTS,” the ITC said.