The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has recommended that the President make certain modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has recommended that the President make certain modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to conform it with World Customs Organization (WCO) amendments to the global Harmonized System.

The recommended modifications would modify the U.S. tariff schedule to conform with amendments made to the Harmonized System nomenclature by the World Customs Organization on June 28, 2019, with expected implementation date of January 1, 2022. The WCO Recommendation contains about 350 amendments to the Harmonized System nomenclature relating to a wide range of products and product groups, including, for example:

• flat panel display modules;
• 3D printers;
• electronic textiles;
• unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones);
• smartphones;
• electric vehicles;
• novel tobacco products intended for inhalation without combustion;
• edible insect products;
• edible microbial fats and oils;
• virgin and extra virgin olive oil;
• cell therapy products;
• rapid diagnostic test kits for detecting the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases;
• placebos and double-blinded clinical trial kits;
• parts for improvised explosive devices;
• electronic waste (e-waste) and other hazardous waste;
• amusement park equipment;
• cultural articles (i.e., antiquities);
• hazardous chemicals controlled by the Rotterdam Convention;
• ozone-depleting substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol;
• products controlled by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; and
• fentanyl-opioid substances and derivatives controlled by the International Narcotics Control Board.

Of interest to followers of Agathon Associates --

• 5501.10, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides, is being broken out as
  • 5501.11, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides: of aramids and
  • 5501.19, Synthetic filament two of nylon or other polyamides: other
• Changes to floor coverings classified in Chapter 57
• Changes to terry towel fabric classified in Chapter 58
• Certain textile products and articles, for technical uses classified in Chapter 59
• Knit apparel of Chapter 61
• Non-knit apparel of Chapter 62

The changes appear not to affect tariff rates or country of origin determinations. However, imports will need to take care when the changes take effect to use the new classifications. Changed classifications will, also, make it more difficult to track import data over time.

The Commission’s report, Recommended Modifications in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2021, Inv. No. 1205-13, USITC Publication 5171, March 2021, is available on the USITC web site at: https://www.usitc.gov/publications/other/pub5171.pdf.