The implementation details of the 10% tariff increase in the United States, including exemption policies, have been announced!

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Time of issue：

2025-02-08 17:07

According to the U.S. Federal Register, starting from February 4, 2025, all goods originating from China (including Hong Kong) that enter the U.S. for consumption or are withdrawn from warehouses will be subject to an additional tariff (i.e., an additional 10% tariff).

With specific exemption categories excluded, all products from China (including Hong Kong), regardless of value, will no longer enjoy the "minimum duty - free" treatment as stipulated in Section 1321(a)(2)(C) of Title 19 of the U.S. Code.

The following are the specific implementation details:

Main tariff categories

Tax rate: An additional 10% ad valorem tax will be imposed on the current tariffs (including anti - dumping and countervailing duties). This means that goods that were previously subject to a 25% tariff will see the tariff increase to 35%.

Scope of application: All goods originating from China (including Hong Kong, except for the following exempt categories and personal luggage items).

Exemption categories

The following three categories of goods can apply for exemption from the additional tariff, and the applicants must declare the corresponding tariff classification number.

9903.01.21: Donated materials for humanitarian assistance (such as food, clothing, and medicines).
The new regulations require companies to accurately classify the tariff classification numbers of goods (e.g., distinguishing between 9903.01.21 humanitarian materials and 9903.01.20 ordinary goods); incorrect declarations may lead to customs clearance delays or fines.
9903.01.22: Information materials (including publications, audiovisual works, news materials, etc.).
9903.01.23: Goods that meet the following conditions:
Shipped before February 1, 2025, or in the final stage of transportation; entering the U.S. consumption phase between February 4 and March 7, 2025.

It is important to emphasize that according to exemption clause 9903.01.23, only goods that were shipped before February 1, 2025, and arrive in the U.S. before March 7 are exempt from the additional tariff.

Exporters who fail to adjust their shipping pace in time may face risks of unsold goods or violations.

Special terms and exceptions

1. Exceptions for Chapter 98 goods

Goods declared for entry under Chapter 98 of the U.S. tariff schedule (such as re - exported processed goods, temporary imports, etc.) are generally exempt from additional tariffs, but the following sub - items are excluded:

9802.00.40 (U.S. goods repaired or improved abroad)
9802.00.50 (U.S. metal products processed abroad)
9802.00.60 (U.S. component products assembled abroad)
9802.00.80 (Goods assembled abroad)

Exception rule: The above sub - item goods are subject to an additional 10% tariff on the value added from processing/assembly in China (including Hong Kong).

2. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) regulations

Starting from February 4, 2025, goods from China (including Hong Kong) entering the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (except for goods that meet the definition of "domestic status") must be declared under "Privileged Foreign Status" and will be required to pay the additional tariff at the current rate upon final entry for consumption.

3. Cancellation of minimum duty - free

Starting from February 4, 2025, goods originating from China (including Hong Kong) will no longer be eligible for duty - free clearance for goods valued under $800. Importers must choose formal customs declaration and pay the full amount of taxes; otherwise, the customs clearance request will be denied.

Here’s a reminder for foreign trade personnel to check whether in - transit goods meet exemption conditions and to keep an eye on changes in the implementation details of U.S. tariffs to formulate reasonable shipping plans.

How to check the latest tariff rates for specific products?

Businesses and individuals can check the latest tariff information through the following methods:

1. U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) official website

Website: https://hts.usitc.gov/
Function: You can enter the HTS code of the product on this website to view the corresponding tariff rate.

2. U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) official website

Website: https://ustr.gov/
Function: This website allows you to view policy documents related to Section 301 tariffs and the latest exemption list.