USTR grants first Section 301 exclusions

Submitted for publication were nearly 1,000 exclusions from a first tranche of tariffs covering $34 billion worth of goods from China in 2017 import value.

   The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) granted the first round of exclusions from Section 301 tariffs, according to a notice the agency submitted on Friday for publication in the Federal Register.
   That notice will green-light almost 1,000 requests for exclusions from a first tranche of tariffs that took effect July 6 covering $34 billion worth of goods from China in 2017 import value.
   The exclusions will apply retroactively to July 6, will extend through Dec. 21, 2019 and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation, USTR said.
   The deadline for applying for exclusions from the $34 billion tranche was Oct. 9.
   Exclusions are set forth in two different formats: as an exclusion of an existing 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading from within an eight-digit subheading covered by the $34 billion action or as an exclusion reflected in specially prepared product descriptions.
   In particular, the exclusions take the form of seven 10-digit HTS subheadings and 24 specially prepared product descriptions, USTR said.     Exclusions will apply to all subject products, regardless of whether they are imported by the requester.
   The excluded 10-digit subheadings include linear-acting cylinders in hydraulic power engines and motors, certain drinking water coolers and certain radio transceivers.
   Among the other exclusions are certain stainless steel stretchers (part of HTS 8419.90.2000), manually powered roller machines with dies for embossing paper (part of HTS 8420.10.9080) and certain nonelectric water filtration apparatuses (part of HTS 8421.21.0000).
   The Retail Industry Leaders Association, Nestle Waters North America and International Automotive Components Group North America Inc. were among the requesters of the granted exclusions, according to a USTR spreadsheet detailing the status of exclusion requests.
   The excluded 10-digit subheadings cover 918 separate exclusion requests, and the 24 descriptions cover about 66 different requests, USTR said.
   USTR is establishing HTS Subheading 9903.88.05 so importers can claim applicable exclusions in their entry filings.
   USTR said it will continue to issue decisions on pending exclusion requests on a periodic basis.