Hundreds of products imported from China on List 1 and List 2 are now subject to the additional 25% Section 301 tariffs after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) declined to extend exclusions previously granted to the products. However, the USTR did approve extensions for 79 products, but only through December 31, 2020.
The first notice granted extensions to 62 out of the 310 product exclusions that were expiring on September 20, 2020. These exclusions must be claimed using new HTSUS 9903.88.58 and are available for any product that meets the specified product description, regardless of whether the importer filed an exclusion request.
The second notice granted extensions to 17 out of the 86 product exclusions that were also set to expire on September 20. These exclusions must be claimed using new HTSUS 9903.88.59 and are also available for any product that meets the specified product description, regardless of whether the importer filed an exclusion request.
While the USTR said it would consider extending these exclusions for up to 12 months, it ultimately only extended them through December 31. The USTR stated that this shortened extension is due to “the cumulative effect of current and possible future exclusions or extensions of exclusions on the effectiveness of” the Section 301 tariffs. The USTR further stated that it will take account of the cumulative effect of exclusions in considering the possible further extension of these and other exclusions.
If you have any questions regarding the Section 301 tariffs or need assistance with the exclusion process, please contact a member of our Compliance Department at compliance@oceanair.net.
