Classification and duties · 2 min read
China import duties: check the base rate and additional measures
A base HTS duty is only one possible layer. For goods of Chinese origin, examine the applicable HTS edition, Chapter 99 instructions and the actual official measure or exclusion for the entry date. Section 301 is one possible program; its portal alone is not a complete inventory of every duty.
Read duty layers separately
| Layer | Where to investigate | Cannot conclude from |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary duty | Specific HTS line and legal notes | Product nickname |
| Additional measure | Relevant Chapter 99 provision and measure notice | Country alone |
| Exclusion or exception | Official scope and effective dates | An old spreadsheet or headline |
| AD/CVD | Order scope and producer/exporter facts | Ordinary HTS result |
Use a date-specific check sequence
- Describe the goods and verify the U.S. HTS classification, including relevant notes.
- Confirm manufacturing origin from facts, not from the port used to export.
- Set the expected U.S. entry date and consult the appropriate HTS revision.
- Read applicable Chapter 99 text and the primary measure or exclusion notice; record its scope and dates.
- Check AD/CVD separately where the product suggests risk.
USITC warns that its China tariff aid is not legal HTS text. The USTR Section 301 page points to actions and exclusion processes, but a specific notice and applicable dates must support a shipment-level conclusion.
Record what remains uncertain
Keep a dated file with product description, classification rationale, origin evidence, HTS revision, Chapter 99 provision, official measure and exclusion rationale. If the entry date changes, repeat the date check. Ask a customs broker to review ambiguous coverage before you use a duty estimate to price inventory.
Assumptions and limits
Assumptions
- The goods have a supported U.S. HTS classification, documented origin and planned entry date.
Costs and duties not included
- No current percentage, Chapter 99 number or exclusion eligibility is asserted for an unspecified product.
Prepare your own estimate
Use your shipment details to open the existing calculator.
Use digits and a dot, with up to two decimals (for example, 1200.50).
Opening the calculator prepares these inputs. Only pressing Calculate uses a calculation from your plan.
You will need to select the correct HTS code in the calculator before it can estimate duties.
Common questions
Is there one additional tariff for all Chinese goods?
No. Coverage depends on the product, origin, applicable measure and entry date; verify the controlling text.
Does a Section 301 exclusion settle AD/CVD?
No. AD/CVD is a separate order-and-scope question and does not appear as an ordinary HTS tariff line.
Sources
- HTS classification FAQs
United States International Trade Commission · Checked
- Additional duties FAQ
United States International Trade Commission · Checked
- Section 301 tariff actions
Office of the United States Trade Representative · Checked
- AD/CVD frequently asked questions
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration · Checked
- HTS revision archive
United States International Trade Commission · Checked
- Country in merchandise trade statistics
United States International Trade Commission · Checked
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration · Checked
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