What should you gather?
- Full HTS classification and a precise description of the goods.
- Country of origin, customs value, quantities and expected entry date.
- Supporting product information for any claimed preference or exclusion.
Which rates apply?
Check the applicable base HTS rate and the legal text of relevant Chapter 99 provisions, including Section 301 actions and exclusions. Other measures and customs fees may also apply. A shipment route does not by itself establish the goods' country of origin.
Why the origin and product description matter
Shipping a product through another country does not by itself determine its origin. Record where the goods were made and any processing performed elsewhere, then ask a qualified broker how the relevant origin rules apply. For a Section 301 exclusion, retain the exact product specifications and compare them with every condition of the official exclusion text and entry date.
Official sources
- Official USITC tariff schedule — check the current schedule, chapter notes, and applicable Chapter 99 provisions.
- USTR: China Section 301 actions and exclusion process
This guide is general information, not a duty determination. Confirm classification, origin, applicable measures, and the entry date with a licensed customs broker.