Tag: Import Duties
-
Section 232 and Its Lasting Impact 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum from most countries have fundamentally altered cost structures for manufacturers, fabricators, and distributors. The tariffs apply to primary products and certain downstream articles. Scope of Section 232 Tariffs Steel tariffs cover flat-rolled, long, tubular, stainless, wire, and semifinished products.…
-
Food and Beverage Importing Is Different F&B products face extensive FDA regulation, specialized tariff provisions including tariff-rate quotas and seasonal duties, and duty rates among the highest in the HTSUS – some exceeding 40 percent. Classification Challenges Preparation level matters (fresh vs. dried vs. canned). Ingredient composition drives classification for prepared foods. Sugar and dairy…
-
The Reciprocal Tariff Era Reciprocal tariffs mirror the rates other countries impose on U.S. exports. In practice, they have created a complex, multi-layered environment that changes frequently and affects different products and countries differently. Current State of Reciprocal Tariffs Actions have been taken against a broad range of trading partners under several legal authorities. Some…
-
The Price on the Invoice Is Not the Cost By the time goods reach your warehouse, additional costs have been added: freight, insurance, customs duties, processing fees, broker fees, inland transportation, and more. Many importers either do not calculate landed cost or calculate it incorrectly. Components of Landed Cost Product cost (varies by Incoterms), international…
-
Every Dollar of Duty Is a Dollar Off Your Margin There is often a significant gap between what importers actually pay and what they are required to pay. That gap exists because the tariff code is complex, multiple duty reduction mechanisms are available but underutilized, and most importers lack the specialized knowledge needed to optimize…
-
Tariffs Are Back at Center Stage The United States has imposed new tariffs under multiple authorities, including Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, IEEPA-based duties, and reciprocal tariff measures. Products that once entered duty-free now carry tariff burdens of 10, 25, or even 50 percent or more. How…
-
Answer Capsule Customs valuation determines the taxable base for import duties and is a critical cost driver for all EU importers. The EU applies six WTO-derived valuation methods in strict hierarchical order, with transaction value (the actual price paid) as the primary method in most cases. Importers must understand additions to transaction value (freight, insurance,…
-
Importing into Switzerland requires navigation of a sophisticated customs administration and distinct tariff system that differs in meaningful ways from neighboring EU procedures. The Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) administers strict procedural requirements, detailed tariff classifications, and complex duty calculations. For North American importers unfamiliar with Swiss customs, these requirements can…
-
Tariff Engineering: Legal Strategies to Reduce EU Import Duties Answer Capsule Tariff engineering involves legally restructuring products, supply chains, and customs valuation to minimize import duties while maintaining full compliance with customs regulations and trade law. With the EU Common External Tariff adding 5-20%+ to many import costs, legitimate strategies, including product modification, customs valuation…