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
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.