HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
9031499000 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Okay, here's a breakdown of the HS codes you provided for your declared goods, "INDUSTRIAL ENDOSCOPE", along with explanations, potential issues, and recommendations.
Understanding HS Codes & Tariff Implications
Let's analyze each code individually:
1. HS Code: 9031.49.90.00 – Measuring or Checking Instruments, Appliances and Machines
- Chapter 90: This chapter covers "Optical, precision, ethological, technical, photographic, cinematographic, gauging instruments and apparatus, testing, inspecting, analysing or controlling instruments and apparatus, and their parts and accessories.” This is a good starting point for industrial endoscopes as they are used for inspection and measurement.
- 9031: Specifically covers "Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof."
- 9031.49: This narrows it down to "Other optical instruments and appliances." This is where it gets a bit broad.
- 9031.49.90: "Other" – meaning it doesn't fit into more specific categories within 9031.49.
- 9031.49.90.00: The most detailed level, indicating a catch-all for other optical instruments.
Tariff Details:
- Basic Duty: 0.0%
- Additional Tariff: 25.0%
- Post-April 2025 Additional Tariff: 30.0%
Important Considerations for 9031.49.90.00:
- Functionality: The key here is what the endoscope is measuring or checking. If it has very specific functions (e.g., non-destructive testing, specific material analysis), there might be a more accurate HS code elsewhere in Chapter 90.
- Material: The material of the endoscope (e.g., metal, plastic, with or without camera) can influence the classification.
- Accuracy: The level of accuracy and precision of the instrument is important.
2. HS Code: 8543.70.88.65 – Electrical machines and apparatus
- Chapter 85: This chapter covers "Electrical machinery and equipment."
- 8543: Specifically for "Electrical machinery and apparatus having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter."
- 8543.70: This narrows it down to "Other machines and apparatus."
- 8543.70.88: "Other" – meaning it doesn't fit into more specific categories within 8543.70.
- 8543.70.88.65: Specifically for "Of electronic cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporizing devices."
Tariff Details:
- Tax Information: "Failed to retrieve tax information" – This is a major issue. The HS code is very specific to electronic cigarettes. An industrial endoscope should not be classified under this code.
Critical Issues & Recommendations
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HS Code 8543.70.88.65 is Incorrect: This code is for electronic cigarettes. You must re-evaluate the classification of your industrial endoscope. Using the wrong HS code can lead to significant penalties, delays, and incorrect duty payments.
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Re-evaluate 9031.49.90.00: While 9031.49.90.00 might be a starting point, carefully consider if a more specific code within Chapter 90 exists. Look at headings related to:
- Non-destructive testing equipment
- Medical instruments (if applicable)
- Precision measuring instruments
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Provide More Detail: To help me refine the HS code, please provide the following information:
- Endoscope Type: (e.g., flexible, rigid, video, fiber optic)
- Primary Use: (e.g., inspection of pipes, engine components, medical applications)
- Key Features: (e.g., camera resolution, lighting, measurement capabilities, data recording)
- Material Composition: (e.g., metal, plastic, camera type)
- Single Price and Total Price: This is important for customs valuation.
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Official Ruling (Recommended): For peace of mind, consider applying for an official binding tariff ruling from your local customs authority. This provides a legally binding classification for your specific product.
Next Steps:
- Immediately investigate the correct HS code. Do not proceed with importing using 8543.70.88.65.
- Gather the detailed information requested above.
- Contact a customs broker or consultant for expert assistance.
Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and cannot provide definitive customs classifications. This information is for guidance only. You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of your declarations.
Customer Reviews
The detailed explanation of the tariff rates and the warning about the incorrect HS code were extremely useful. I’ll definitely be sharing this with my team.
The page was informative, but I found it a bit overwhelming. I wish there was a simpler way to determine the right HS code without needing to dig into the chapters and subheadings.
The review of HS Code 8543.70.88.65 was a lifesaver. I almost used that code for my industrial endoscope, but the warning about it being for e-cigarettes was crucial.
The breakdown of HS Code 9031.49.90.00 was super helpful. I now understand why it's a catch-all for optical instruments and how to verify the correct classification.