ITC Posts Revised HTS, Effective July 1; Implementation of ITA Tariff Cuts, GSP Review: Chapters 85-99

The International Trade Commission on July 1 posted revisions to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (here). The new HTS implements the first round of tariff cuts under the expanded World Trade Organization Information Technology Agreement, as well as the results of the U.S. Trade Representative's 2015-16 review of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), adding several "travel goods" to the program, albeit only for least developed country beneficiaries.

(NOTE: This is part two of a two-part summary of the 2016 Supplement Edition of the HTS, covering changes to chapters 85-99. See 1607010056 for changes to chapters 1-84, including GSP changes. The effective date of all of the changes listed below is July 1, 2016, unless otherwise noted.)

Tariff Changes Take Effect From Expanded ITA Implementation

July 1 marks the first implementation date of tariff reductions under the expanded Information Technology Agreement. These tariffs, along with reductions made by other members of expanded ITA, are being made on a most-favored-nation basis, so they apply to all WTO members, not just signatories to expanded ITA. Some tariffs will fall to zero immediately, while other reductions will be phased in over a period of three years, until they eventually fall to zero in 2019.

Speed drive controllers for electric motors. Speed drive controllers for electric motors under subheading 8504.40.4000 will see tariff rates reduced to zero over the next three years, beginning with an immediate reduction to 1.1% (from 1.5%), and falling to 0.7% on July 1, 2017, to 0.3% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Other static converters. Static converters, other than speed drive controllers for electric motors power supplies for automatic data processing (ADP) machines and static converters for telecommunications apparatus, classifiable under subheading 8504.40.95 (and including statistical suffixes for rectifiers and inverters) will also see rates fall to zero over the next three years. Rates will fall immediately to 1.1% (from 1.5%), followed by a reduction to 0.7% on July 1, 2017, to 0.3% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Inductors. Certain inductors classifiable under subheading 8504.50.8000 will see a staged reduction in duties to zero, beginning with an immediate decrease to 2.2% (from 3%), and followed by a reduction to 1.5% on July 1, 2017, to 0.7% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Parts of transformers and static converters. Expanded ITA immediately reduces to zero (from 2.4%) the rate applicable to multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85, when serving as parts of electrical transformers and static converters, under new subheading 8504.90.0100. Rates are also reduced to zero, though not immediately, for other parts of transformers and static converters under subheading 8504.90, including printed circuit assemblies not for use in power supplies for ADPs (other than goods of subheading 8504.40 or 8504.50 for telecommunication apparatus) under new subheading 8504.90.4100, and other parts not for use in power supplies for ADPs, other than printed circuit assemblies, under new subheading 8504.90.96 (including statistical suffixes for ferrites and other parts). Rates for both of these new subheadings will immediately fall to 1.8% (from 2.4%), followed by decreases to 1.2% on July 1, 2017, to 0.6% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

MRI magnets. Rates immediately fall to zero (from 1.3%) for “electromagnets of a kind used solely or principally for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary instruments of heading 9018." The ITC is creating new subheading 8505.90.7000 for these products.

Other products formerly classifiable under subheading 8505.90.8000 now move to new subheading 8505.90.7501.

Furnaces used in circuit manufacturing. Furnaces and ovens “of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of printed circuits or printed circuit assemblies” see tariffs reduced immediately to zero (from 1.3%), under new subheading 8514.30.1000.

Other furnaces and ovens (i.e., not resistance heated and not microwave ovens) now fall under new subheading 8514.30.9000, still dutiable at 1.3%.

Audio equipment. Tariffs will be phased out over a three-year period for all audio equipment under heading 8518 that is still subject to tariffs. Phased reductions are set for certain microphones and microphone stands (8518.10.80), loudspeakers (8518.21.0000, 8518.22.0000 and 8518.29.8000), headphones and earphones (8518.30.2000), amplifiers (8518.40.2000) and amplifier sets (8518.50.0000). Rates will initially drop to 3.6% (from 4.9%), then decrease to 2.4% on July 1, 2017, to 1.2% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Parts of audio equipment will also see tariffs decrease under ITA. Parts consisting of multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85, under new subheading 8518.90.0100, are immediately duty free (from 4.9%). Duties on new subheading 8518.90.4100 for parts of line telephone handsets of subheading 8518.30.10 and repeaters of subheading 8518.40.10, other than printed circuits, will fall immediately to 6.3% (from 8.5%), then decrease to 4.2% in 2017, to 2.1% in 2018, and be duty-free in 2019. Other parts of audio equipment, i.e., not described by additional note 14 and not for telephone handsets or repeaters, under new subheading 8518.90.8100, will see duties fall immediately to 3.6% (from 4.9%), then decrease to 2.4% on July 1, 2017, to 1.2% on July 1, 2018, and tozero on July 1, 2019.

Tariffs will immediately fall to zero (from 3.9%) for subheading 8519.81.1000, which covers transcribing machines that use magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, for reproducing sound only. Likewise, cassette-type tape players for use in cars under subheading 8519.81.2000 will see duties immediately fall to zero (from 3.7%), as will record players (other than those without loud speakers) under subheading 8519.89.2000 (from 3.9%).

Parts for audio and video recording equipment. Parts for audio and video recording equipment of will also see tariffs fall to zero under expanded ITA. Though unclear due to what appear to be printing errors, in effect tariffs will eventually fall to zero on all parts of headings 8519 and 8521 other than pickup cartridges. New subheading 8522.90.0100 is created for multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85, with tariffs immediately falling to zero (from 2%). Tariffs on new subheading 8522.90.2500, which apparently covers multicomponent integrated circuits in the form of printed circuit assemblies, will fall immediately to zero (from 2%). Multicomponent integrated circuits that are not printed circuit assemblies under subheading 8522.90.3600 will apparently fall initially to 1.5%, followed by a reduction to 1% in 2017, to 0.5% in 2018 and to zero in 2019. Also falling immediately to zero are tariffs on parts of telephone answering machines (other than printed integrated circuits) under subheading 8522.90.5800, and “other” parts for audio and video recording equipment under subheadings 8522.90.6500 and 8522.90.8000.

Magnetic tapes. Duties on already-recorded magnetic tapes for reproducing sound or images are immediately eliminated under expanded ITA. Tariffs fall to zero on non-news sound recordings under subheading 8523.29.4000 (from $0.048 per square meter of recording surface); videotape recordings on tape of width exceeding 4mm but not exceeding 6.5mm under subheading 8523.29.5000 (from $0.033 per linear meter); other recordings on tape of width exceeding 4mm but not exceeding 6.5mm under subheading 8523.29.6000 (from $0.048 per square meter of recording surface); and non-video recordings on tape of a width greater than 6.5 mm under subheading 8523.29.80 (from $0.048 per square meter of recording surface).

Optical media. Tariffs on subheading 8523.49.5000, which covers already-recorded optical media for reproducing image or sound and image, not capable for interactivity to a user by means of an ADP and not in proprietary format, fall immediately to zero (from 2.7%).

Phonograph records. Tariffs on phonograph records under subheading 8523.80.1000 fall immediately to zero (from 1.8%).

Radio and television transmission apparatus. Tariffs fall to zero on transmission apparatus for televisions, other than set-top boxes with a communication function, under subheading 8525.50.3000 (which includes satellite television reception apparatus, and converters and decoders for cable or closed-circuit television applications). Duties immediately fall to 1.3% (from 1.8%), then continue to drop to 0.9% on July 1, 2017, to 0.4% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Transmission apparatus for radiobroadcasting under subheading 8525.50.7000 will see a similar reduction, with tariffs falling to 2.2% immediately (from 3%), then to 1.5% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Television cameras and video recorders. Tariffs immediately fall to zero (from 2.1%) on certain television cameras, including gyrostabilized television cameras under subheading 8525.80.1000 and non-portable studio television cameras under subheading 8525.80.2000. “Other” television cameras under subheading 8525.80.3000 will see a phased reduction, beginning with an immediate drop to 1.5% (from 2.1%), and decreasing in 2017 to 1%, in 2018 to 0.5%, and in 2019 to zero.

Other digital cameras and video camera recorders, besides digital still-image video cameras, under subheading 8525.80.5000, see tariffs fall to 1.5% immediately (from 2.1%), followed by decreases to 1% on July 1, 2017, to 0.5% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Radio remote controls. Tariffs on subheading 8529.92.50 on radio remote control apparatus, other than for video game consoles, fall immediately to 3.6% (from 4.9%), then continue a phased decrease to 2.4% in 2017, to 1.2% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Portable radios. Subheading 8527.19.5000 for radio receivers capable of operating without an external source of other-than-pocket-size cassette players, not including sound recording or reproducing apparatus and not a clock-radio valued under $40, will see tariffs immediately fall to zero (from 3%).

Car radios. Combination radio/tape players for motor vehicles capable of receiving digital signals will also see tariffs immediately fall to zero (from 2%). New subheading 8427.21.1500 is created for these products. Other combination radio-tape players are moved to new subheading 8427.21.25, still at a 2% duty.

“Other” car radios, i.e., not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, will see a phased reduction in tariffs. Subheading 8527.29.4000 for FM only or AM/FM radios, as well as subheading 8527.29.8000 for “other” radios, both see duties immediately fall to 3.3% (from 4.4%), with continued reductions to 2.2% in 2017, to 1.1% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other radios. Tariffs immediately fall to zero on all other radios under heading 8527, i.e., radios that cannot be operated without an external source of power and are not for automobiles. Tariffs on these subheadings, including 8527.91.0500, 8527.91.4000, 8527.91.5000, 8527.92.5000, 8527.99.1500 and 8527.99.4000, previously ranged from 1% to 6%.

Cathode-ray tube monitors. Tariffs are immediately eliminated on cathode-ray tube monitors, of a kind not for use with ADPs under heading 8471. Affected subheadings include 8528.49.2000, 8528.49.3000, 8528.49.3500, 8528.49.4000, 8528.49.5000, 8528.49.6000, 8528.49.6500, 8528.49.7000, 8528.49.7500, and 8528.49.8000. Tariffs had previously ranged from 3.9% to 5%.

TV reception equipment. Tariffs also immediately fall to zero on a variety of TV reception equipment, not incorporating a video display or screen, including subheading 8528.71.1000 for such equipment when incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus, and subheadings 8528.71.4000 and 8528.71.4500 for such equipment when not incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus, except for set-top boxes with a communication function and printed circuit assembly tuners for ADPs. Tariffs had ranged from 3.9% to 5%.

Antennas. Tariffs fall to zero on antennas and antenna reflectors for use as parts of television and radio transmission and reception apparatus, monitors and projects. Though again complicated by what appear to be printing errors, tariffs will apparently fall immediately to zero (from 3%) for new subheading 8529.10.0100, covering antenna parts in the form of multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85. Likewise, tariffs will immediately fall to zero from 1.8% for television antennas under renumbered subheading 8529.10.2100. Tariffs on renumbered subheading 8529.10.9000 for “other” antennas (i.e., not for television, radar, radio navigational aid and radio remote control) will be phased out by 2019, falling immediately to 2.2% (from 3%), then to 1.5% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other parts of radio and TV transmitters, receivers, monitors. Expanded ITA cuts tariffs on a range of parts for radio and TV reception and transmission apparatus, monitors and projects under subheadings 8525 through 8528.

New subheading 8529.39.0100 is created for parts in the form of multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85, with tariffs immediately falling to zero (from 2.9%).

Expanded ITA phases out tariffs over the next three years on a range of printed circuit assemblies for use as parts of TV and radio transmitters, receivers, monitors and projectors, including tuners under renumbered subheading 8529.90.0400, which fall immediately to 2.2% (from 3%), then to 1.5% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019; certain other printed circuit boards for color TVs under renumbered subheading 8529.90.0500 (immediately down to 3%, then to 2%, to 1%, and to zero by 2019); “other” printed circuit assemblies for TV cameras under subheading 8529.90.0900 (immediately to zero); and “other” printed circuit assemblies for TVs under subheading 8529.90.1300 (immediately to 2.1%, then to 1.4%, to 0.7%, and to zero in 2019).

Tariffs fall immediately to zero on radio printed circuits for use in radar, radio navigational aid or radio control apparatus under subheading 8529.90.1600, and are phased out over three years for subheading 8529.90.1900, falling immediately to 2.4%, then to 1.6% in 2017, to 0.8% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Tariffs on renumbered subheading 8529.90.2400, covering parts for radar equipment other than printed circuit assemblies, falls immediately to 2.4% (from 3.2%), then drops to 1.6% in 2017, to 0.8% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Expanded ITA cuts tariffs on certain other parts for television receivers (specified in additional U.S. note 9 to chapter 85, including video intermediate amplifying and detecting systems, video processing and amplification systems, and synchronizing and deflection circuitry). Tariffs fall immediately to zero for subheadings 8529.90.2900 and 8529.90.3300 (from 4%). Tariffs are phased out over the next three years for subheading 8529.90.3900, decreasing immediately to 2.1% (from 2.9%), then decreasing to 1.4% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Certain combinations of these parts under subheading 8529.90.4300 fall immediately to zero (from 4%), while tariffs on other combinations of parts covered by additional note 9 under subheading 8529.90.4900 are phased out, decreasing to 2.1% immediately, then to 1.4% on July 1, 2017, to 0.7% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Subheading 8529.90.5300, covering flat plan screen assemblies for use in certain products of heading 8528 will see tariffs phased out gradually, with duties cut immediately to 2.1% (from 2.9%), then falling to 1.4% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Parts of printed circuits for televisions under subheading 8529.90.6300 fall immediately to zero (from 3.3%), while those under subheading 8529.90.6800 are phased out, decreasing to 2.1% immediately (from 2.9%), then to 1.4% on July 1, 2017, to 0.7% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019. Parts of printed circuits for radar, radio navigation aids and remote controls under subheading 8529.90.7300 fall immediately to zero (from 3.2%).

Certain parts for television cameras under subheading 8529.90.8100 are phased out, starting at 2.4% (from 3.3%), then falling to 1.6% in 2017, to 0.8% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Certain other parts of television cameras under subheading 8529.90.8300 decrease to 2.1% immediately (from 2.9%), then to 1.4% on July 1, 2017, to 0.7% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Certain subassemblies of television receivers under subheading 8529.99.8800 fall immediately to zero (from 4%). Other parts of television receivers under subheading 8529.90.9300 are phased out, starting at 2.1% (from 2.9%), then falling to 1.4% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Finally, parts of radar, radio navigation aid or radio remote control apparatus under subheadings 8529.90.9500 and 8529.90.9700 are phased out, starting at 2.4% (from 3.2%), then falling to 1.6% on July 1, 2017, to 0.8% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Signals and alarms. Certain signals and alarms under new subheading 8531.80.9000 (i.e., signaling apparatus other than burglar or fire alarms, indicator panels with liquid crystal devices and light emitting diodes, and doorbells, chimes and buzzers), see tariffs fall immediately to 0.9% (from 1.3%), then to 0.6% in 2017, to 0.3% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Parts of signaling devices described in additional note 14 to chapter 85 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits) under subheading 8531.90.0100, fall immediately to zero (from 1.3%). Other parts of signaling apparatus under subheadings 8531.90.3000 and 8531.90.9000 see tariffs fall immediately to 0.9% (from 1.3%), then to 0.6% on July 1, 2017, to 0.3% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Doorbells, chimes, buzzers and similar apparatus, which do not see a tariff cut as a result of ITA, are broken out into new subheading 8531.80.1500, still dutiable at 1.3%.

Switches, fuses and surge protectors. Motor overload protectors under subheading 8536.30.4000 and “other” apparatus for protecting electrical circuits (i.e., other than circuit breakers and fuses) under subheading 8536.30.8000 have tariffs immediately reduced to 2% (from 2.7%), then see tariffs fall to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2017, and to zero in 2019.

Other switches. Motor starters under subheading 8536.50.4000, and “other” other switches under subheading 8536.50.9000, have tariffs immediately reduced to 2% (from 2.7%), then see tariffs fall to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2017, and to zero in 2019.

Other apparatus for making electrical connections. Subheading 8536.90.8500, the residual “other” category for other apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, eventually become duty-free under expanded ITA. Tariffs immediately fall to 2% from 2.7%), then to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Battery clamps used in motor vehicles are not covered under expanded ITA, however, so they are given their own subheading, 8536.90.6000, remaining dutiable at 2.7%.

Touch pads. Expanded ITA cuts tariffs on “touch-sensitive data input devices (so-called ‘touch screens’) without display capabilities, for incorporation into apparatus having a display, which function by detecting the presence and location of a touch within the display area (such sensing may be obtained by means of resistance, electrostatic capacity, acoustic pulse recognition, infra-red lights or other touch-sensitive technology." New subheading 8537.10.8000 is created for these products. Tariffs immediately fall to 2% (from 2.7%), followed by a decrease to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other articles formerly classified under subheading 8537.10.90, which previously included touch pads, are now classified under subheading 8537.10.91. Tariffs remain at 2.7%.

Consoles, panels, desks and cabinets for electronics. Tariffs are eliminated on subheading 8538.10.0000, which covers “boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for the goods of heading 8537.” Duties immediately fall to 2.7% (from 3.7%), then are decreased to 1.8% in 2017, to 0.9% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other parts for electricity control equipment. New subheading 8538.90.0100 is created for parts of electricity control equipment under headings 8535, 8536 and 8537 described in additional note 14 to chapter 85 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits). Duties are immediately reduced to zero (from 3.5%).

The residual “other” category for heading 8538 is renumbered 8538.90.81.

CCFLs for backlighting flat panels. Tariffs on cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) for backlighting of flat panel displays are immediately reduced to zero (from 2.4%). New subheading 8539.39.1000 is created for these products.

Other discharge lamps formerly classified under the now defunct subheading 8539.39.0000 are now classifiable under subheading 8539.39.9000, remaining dutiable at 2.4%.

Signal generators. Subheading 8543.20.0000 for signal generators sees tariffs immediately reduced to 1.9% (from 2.6%), with additional reductions to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Electroplating, electrolysis and electrophoresis machines for printed circuits. New subheading 8543.30.2000 is created for machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresis of a kind solely or principally used for the manufacture of printed circuits. Tariffs on these products fall immediately to 1.9% (from 2.6%), then to 1.3% on July 1, 2017, to 0.6% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Other electroplating, electrolysis and electrophesis machines, i.e., not for making printed circuits, are now classifiable under subheading 8543.30.9000, and remain subject to a 2.6% duty.

Flight data recorders. Tariffs on flight data recorders are cut to zero under expanded ITA. These products are given their own new subheading 8543.70.4200, with duty rates falling immediately to 1.9% (from 2.6%), with additional reductions to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other electronic synchros and transducers, defrosters and demistors for aircraft, formerly classifiable alongside flight data recorders, are now given their own subheading 8543.70.4500, which remains dutiable at 2.6%.

Articles for telegraphic or telephonic networks. Duties on articles designed for connection to telegraphic or telephonic apparatus or instruments or to telegraphic or telephonic networks under subheading 8543.70.6000 fall immediately to zero (from 2.6%).

Microwave amplifiers. Duties on microwave amplifiers under subheading 8543.70.8000 also fall immediately to zero (from 2.6%).

E-readers. New subheading 8543.70.8900 is created for portable battery operated electronic readers for recording and reproducing text, still images or audio files with duties decreasing immediately to 1.9% (from 2.6%), then to 1.3% on July 1, 2017, to 0.6% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Sound mixers. New subheading 8543.70.9100 is created for digital signal processing apparatus capable of connecting to a wired or wireless network for the mixing of sound, with duty rates falling immediately to 1.9% (from 2.6%), with additional reductions to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Children’s educational devices. New subheading 8543.70.9300 is created for portable interactive electronic education devices primarily designed for children, with duties immediately falling to zero (from 2.6%).

Articles formerly classifiable under old subheading 8543.70.9300 (translation devices, etc.) are now classifiable under subheading 8543.70.8700.

Other touch pads. New subheading 8543.70.9500 is created for “touch-sensitive data input devices (so-called ‘touch screens’) without display capabilities, for incorporation into apparatus having a display, which function by detecting the presence and location of a touch within the display area (such sensing may be obtained by means of resistance, electrostatic capacity, acoustic pulse recognition, infra-red lights or other touch-sensitive technology.” Duties fall to 1.9% (from 2.6%), then to 1.3% on July 1, 2017, to 0.6% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Plasma cleaner machines. Finally, new subheading 8543.70.9700 is created for plasma cleaner machines that remove organic contaminants from electron microscopy specimens and specimen holders. Duties fall to 1.9% (from 2.6%), with additional reductions to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

The residual category for “other” electrical machines and apparatus under subheading 8573.70, which includes musical special effects pedals and e-cigarettes, is moved to new subheading 8439.80.99, remaining dutiable at 2.6%.

Parts of other electrical apparatus. New subheading 8543.90.0100 is created for multicomponent integrated circuits, as defined by new additional note 14 to chapter 85, when they are parts of other electrical apparatus not otherwise specified under heading 8543. Duties are immediately eliminated (from 2.6%).

Parts of physical vapor deposition apparatus of subheading 8543.70 are now classifiable under renumbered subheading 8543.90.1200.

Flight data recorder parts. Duties on subheadings 8543.90.1500 and 8543.90.3500, for assemblies and subassemblies for flight data recorders, consisting of two or more parts or pieces fastened or joined together, immediately fall to zero (from 2.6%).

“Other” parts for “other” electrical apparatus. The residual category for “other” parts of heading 8543, subheading 8543.90.88, which includes breakouts for parts of particle accelerators and e-cigarettes, has duties gradually decreased to zero. Duties fall to 1.9% (from 2.6%), with additional reductions to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Unmounted optical elements. Expanded ITA cuts tariffs immediately to zero for a range of unmounted optical elements, including sheets and plates of polarizing material under subheading 9001.20.0000 (from 3.5%), other (non-spectacle or contact) lenses under subheading 9001.90.4000 (from 2%), other prisms under subheading 9001.90.5000 (from 2.8%), other mirrors under subheading 9001.90.6000 (from 2.8%), halftone screens for use in engraving or photographic processes under subheading 9001.90.8000 (from 1.1%) and “other” optical fibers, polarizing material, lenses, prisms, mirrors and optical elements under subheading 9001.90.9000 (from 2.9%).

Mounted optical elements. Tariffs also immediately fall to zero (from 2.3%) for objective lenses not for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers under subheading 9002.19.0000; other mounted prisms under subheading 9002.90.2000 (from 2.8%); other mounted mirrors under subheading 9002.90.4000 (from 2.8%); and other mounted optical elements under subheading 9002.90.9500 (from 3%). Tariffs are phased out on photographic filers under subheading 9002.20.4000, with duties falling immediately to 1.5% (from 2%), then to 1% in 2017, to 0.5% in 2018, and to zero in 2019; and other filers, non-photographic, under subheading 9002.20.8000, with tariffs initially falling to 2.1% (from 2.9%) and subsequently decreasing to 1.4% in 2017, to 0.7% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Expanded ITA also phases out tariffs on mounted halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes under subheading 9002.90.7000, with duties immediately falling to 0.8% (from 1.1%), then decreasing to 0.5% on July 1, 2017, to 0.2% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Photographic developing equipment – viewers. Expanded ITA cuts tariffs immediately to zero for photographic film viewers, titlers, splicers and editors containing an optical lens under subheadings 9010.50.3000 (from 3.9%) and 9010.50.4000 (from 4.5%).

Projection screens for photo labs. Tariffs are phased out for projection screens for photographic labs under subheading 9010.60.0000, with duties immediately falling to 1.9% (from 2.6%), then to 1.3% in 2017, to 0.6% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Parts and accessories of film viewers, projection screens. Tariffs are immediately cut to zero (from 2.9%) on parts and accessories of photographic film viewers, titlers, splicers and editors, whether or not containing an optical lens, as well as projection screens, under new subheading 9010.90.8500.

“Other” parts and accessories of photographic lab equipment formerly classifiable under subheading 9010.90.9000 is moved to new subheading 9010.90.9500, remaining subject to a 2.9% duty rate.

Stereoscopic microscopes. Expanded ITA immediately cuts tariffs to zero on stereoscopic microscopes under subheadings 9011.10.4000 (from 3.9%) and 9011.10.8000 (from 7.2%).

Other optical microscopes. “Other” compound optical microscopes, i.e., not stereoscopic and not for photomicrography, cinemicrography or microprojection, under subheading 9011.80.0000, see tariffs phased out, starting at 4.8% (from 6.4%), then falling to 3.2% on July 1, 2017, to 1.6% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Optical microscope parts and accessories. Parts and accessories of microscopes under subheading 9011.90.0000 have duties phased out, with an initial cut to 4.2% (from 5.7%), then decreases to 2.8% in 2017, to 1.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Non-optical microscopes. Non-optical microscopes and diffraction apparatus under subheading 9012.10.0000 sees an immediate tariff reduction to zero (from 3.5%). Parts and accessories of non-optical microscopes under subheading 9010.90.0000 are also reduced to zero (from 4.9%).

Telescopes as parts of machines. New subheading 9013.10.4500 is created for telescopes designed to form parts of machines, appliances, instruments or apparatus of chapters 84, 85 or 90. The duty rate is immediately set to zero (from 5.3%).

Other telescopic sights other than rifle sights are reclassified into new tariff subheading 9013.10.5000, still dutiable at 5.3%.

Lasers. The duty rate for lasers, other than laser diodes, under subheading 9013.20.0000 is cut to zero (from 3.1%).

Parts and accessories of LCDs, lasers and other optical appliances. New subheading 9013.90.7000 is created for parts and accessories of optical appliances not specified elsewhere in chapter 90, other than telescopic sights for rifles, other arms or periscopes and certain flat panel displays. Tariffs are immediately reduced to 3.3% (from 4.5%), then fall to 2.2% in 2017, to 1.1% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

“Other” parts and accessories of optical equipment under heading 9013, formerly classified in subheading 9013.90.9000, is now classifiable under subheading 9013.90.8000.

Compasses and navigational instruments. Immediately reduced to zero are tariffs on optical direction finding compasses under subheading 9014.10.1000 (from 4%); other direction finding compasses, not optical, gyroscopic or electrical under subheading 9014.10.9000 (from 2.9%); optical instruments and appliances for aeronautical or space navigation (other than compasses) under subheading 9010.20.2000 (from 2.8%); automatic pilots for aeronautical or space navigation under subheading 9014.20.4000 (from 3.3%); other optical navigational instruments, not compasses and not for aeronautical or space navigation under subheading 9014.80.1000 (from 2.8%); and ships’ logs and depth-sounding apparatus under subheading 9014.80.2000 (from 3.2%).

Surveying equipment. Expanded ITA also reduces tariffs to zero immediately for non-electrical rangefinders under subheading 9015.10.8000 (from 2.8%); non-electrical theodolites and tachymeters under subheading 9015.20.8000 (from 2.8%); non-electrical photogrammetrical surveying instruments and appliances under subheading 9015.40.8000 (from 3%); and other optical instruments and appliances for surveying under subheading 9015.80.2000 (from 2.8%).

Alpha, beta and gamma radiation devices. Duties on alpha, beta or gamma radiation devices for non-medical, surgical dental or veterinary uses fall to zero, with duties reduced on ionization type smoke detectors under subheading 9022.29.4000 being phased out from an initial 0.7% duty (from 1%) to 0.5% in 2017, to 0.2% in 2018, and to zero in 2019, and other such devices under subheading 9022.29.8000 immediately reduced to zero (from 1.4%).

X-ray tubes. Expanded ITA immediately cuts tariffs on x-ray tubes under subheading 9022.30.0000 to zero (from 0.9%).

X-ray parts and accessories. Parts and accessories of x-ray apparatus under subheading 9022.90.6000 sees tariffs immediately fall to zero (from 0.8%).

Material testing machines. Duties on machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of materials under subheadings 9024.10.0000 and 9024.80.0000, as well as parts of such machines under subheading 9024.90.0000, immediately fall to zero (from 1.7%).

Thermometers and pyrometers. Expanded ITA cuts tariffs immediately on non-liquid filled pyrometers under subheading 9025.19.4000 (from 1.4%), and phases out duties on non-liquid filled thermometers under subheading 9025.19.80, beginning at 1.3% (from 1.8%), then falling to 0.9% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Parts of hydrometers, thermometers, pyrometers, etc. Subheading 9025.90.0100 is created for parts of hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers under heading 9025 described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits). Duties immediately fall to zero (they were previously applicable at the rate applicable to the article of which it was a part or accessory). New subheading 9025.90.0600 is created for other parts and accessories of goods of heading 9025, and is also now duty free.

Gas or smoke analysis apparatus. Electrical apparatus for analyzing gas or smoke under subheading 9027.10.2000 sees duties reduced to 1.2% immediately (from 1.7%), then to 0.8% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Non-electrical apparatus for gas or smoke analysis under subheadings 9027.10.4000 and 9027.10.6000 see duties immediately reduced to zero (from 3.5% and 2.2%, respectively).

Microtomes. Microtomes under subheading 9027.90.2000 see duties reduced immediately to 1.6% (from 2.2%), subsequently falling to 1.1% in 2017, to 0.5% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Parts and accessories of chemical analysis apparatus. Subheading 9027.90.0100 is created for parts of instruments and apparatus for chemical analysis described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multi-component integrated circuits), with duties eliminated immediately (from 2.2%). Other parts of electrical instruments and apparatus, besides parts of electrophoresis instruments and ceratin printed circuit assemblies, for chemical analysis appear to see mixed results under expanded ITA. Duties are phased out for all parts and accessories of electrical instruments, beginning at 1.2% and falling to 0.8% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. However, parts and accessories of articles subheadings 9027.20, 9027.30, 9027.50 and 9027.80 were already duty-free before expanded ITA, and now appear to rise to 1.2% along with other parts and accessories of this subheading before eventually falling back to zero.

Other parts of chemical analysis apparatus and instruments also see a reduction in tariffs. Subheading 9027.90.8800 for “other,” non-optical, non-electrical parts sees tariffs fall immediately to zero (from 2.2%. Though the U.S. schedule of commitments also appears to show a phase-out of tariffs on parts of certain optical instruments and apparatus under subheading 9027.90.6400, no such change was made in the tariff schedule.

Parts of electrophoresus instruments not incorporating an optical or other measuring device are broken out into a new subheading, 9027.90.5400, and remain duty free.

Gas, liquid and electricity meters. Electricity meters under subheading 9028.30.0000 see tariffs phased out under expanded ITA, initially falling to $0.12 each + 1.1% (from $0.16 each +1.5%), then decreasing to $0.08 + 0.7% in 2017, to $0.04 +0.3% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Parts and accessories of gas, liquid and electricity meters under subheading 9028.90.00 will also be phased out, beginning at 2.4%, then falling to 1.6% in 2017, to 0.8% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Oscilloscopes and electrical and radiation meters. Expanded ITA immediately cuts tariffs to zero (from 1.6%) on instruments for measuring and detecting ionizing radiation under subheading 9030.10.0000. The agreement also phases out tariffs on oscilloscopes and oscillographs (other than those designed for telecommunications) under subheading 9030.20.0500; multimeters, both with and without a recording device, under subheadings 9030.31.0000 and 9030.32.0000; other instruments for measuring or checking voltage, current, resistance or power, besides multimeters and resistance measuring instruments without a recording device, under subheadings 9030.33.3800 (new) and 9030.39.0100; and “other” such instruments and apparatus not specified elsewhere in heading 9030, under subheadings 9030.84.0000 and 9030.89.0100. Tariffs on these subheadings will fall to an initial 1.2% (from 1.7%), then subsequently decrease to 0.8% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Tariffs do not fall on resistance measuring instruments without a recording device, with these products now broken out into new subheading 9030.33.3400, still dutiable at 1.7%.

Tariffs on parts and accessories of electrical and radiation measurement tools under heading 9030 also fall under expanded ITA. New subheading 9030.90.0100 is created for parts of instruments and apparatus for measurement of electricity and radiation described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits), with duties eliminated immediately (from 1.7%). Tariffs drop immediately to zero (From 1.6%) on parts for ionizing radiation detection and measurement devices of subheading 9030.10 under subheading 9030.90.2500 and renumbered subheading 9030.90.4600. Subheading 9030.90.6800 for printed circuit assembly parts of electrical and radiation measurement and detection devices under heading 9030, other than of parts of products falling under subheadings 9030.10, 9030.40 and 9030.82, sees tariffs phased out gradually, starting at 1.2% (from 1.7%), then falling to 0.8% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019. Finally, parts for “other,” non-printed circuit assembly parts of instruments of heading 9030, now found in renumbered subheading 9030.90.88, have tariffs fall immediately to zero (from 1.7%).

Other measurement or checking instruments. Tariffs immediately fall to zero (from 1.7%) for machines for balancing mechanical parts under subheading 9031.10.0000. Likewise, profile projectors under subheading 9030.49.1000 and coordinate-measuring machines under subheading 9030.49.4000 see immediate cuts to zero (from 2.5% and 3.5%, respectively), as do “other” optical instruments and appliances, not used in semiconductor manufacturing, under subheading 9030.49.9000 (from 3.5%). Tariffs also fall on subheading 9031.80.8000 for “other,” non-optical instruments, appliances and machines, not elsewhere specified, starting at 1.2% (from 1.7%), then decreasing to 0.8% in 2017, to 0.4% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

New subheading 9031.90.0100 is created for parts of other measurement instruments and apparatus under heading 9031 described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits), with duties eliminated immediately (from 1.7%). Duties also immediately fall to zero for parts of profile projectors under renumbered subheading 9030.90.2100 (from 2.5%); bases and frames for coordinate measuring machines under subheading 9031.90.4500 (from 3.5%); parts of certain other optical instruments and appliances, other than test benches, under renumbered subheading 9031.90.5900 (from 3.5%); and other parts and accessories of articles of heading 9031 under renumbered subheading 9031.90.91 (from 1.7%).

Thermostats, manostats, and other automatic regulating instruments. Tariffs fall immediately to zero on manostats under subheading 9032.20.0000 (from 1.7%) and other hydraulic and pneumatic regulating or controlling instruments under subheading 9032.81.0000 (from 1.6%).

As with other tariff provisions for parts affected by expanded ITA, new subheading 9032.90.0100 is created for parts of automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus under heading 9032 described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits), with duties eliminated immediately (from 1.7%).

Other tariff provisions for parts under heading 9032 are renumbered accordingly, with subheading 9032.90.2000 and 9032.90.4000 for parts of automatic voltage and voltage-current regulators becoming 9032.90.2100 and 9032,90.4100, respectively, and subheading 9032.90.60 for other parts, including of thermostats and manostats, becoming 9032.90.61.

Other parts for chapter 90. Heading 9033 for other parts of optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus of chapter 90, not specified elsewhere, sees a general tariff reduction under expanded ITA, as well as more detailed tariff provisions. Goods described in additional note 5 to chapter 90 (i.e., multicomponent integrated circuits) see tariffs immediately fall to zero under new subheading 9033.00.1000 (from 4.4%). New subheadings 9033.00.2000 and 9033.00.3000 are created for light-emitting diode backlight modules and touch pads without display capabilities, with tariffs falling immediately to 3.3% (from 4.4%), then decreasing to 2.2% on July 1, 2017, to 1.1% on July 1, 2018, and to zero on July 1, 2019.

Subheading 9033.00.90 is created for “other” parts and accessories for articles of chapter 90, not elsewhere specified, remaining dutiable at 4.4%.

Other LED backlight modules. New subheading 9405.40.8200 is created for “light-emitting diode (LED) backlights modules, the foregoing which are lighting sources that consist of one or more LEDs and one or more connectors and are mounted on a printed circuit or other similar substrate, and other passive components, whether or not combined with optical components or protective diodes, and used as backlights illumination for liquid crystal displays (LCDs), not elsewhere specified in the tariff schedule. Tariffs fall immediately to 2.9% (from 3.9%), then continue to drop to 1.9% in 2017, to 0.9% in 2018, and to zero in 2019.

Other lamps and lighting fittings not elsewhere specified, not of base metal, move to renumbered subheading 9405.40.84,remaining dutiable at 3.9%.

Statistical Breakouts

The 484(f) committee also created additional statistical breakouts for certain products that take effect July 1:

Parts for trailers and semi-trailers. A statistical suffixes for wheels with tires for use on trailers and semi-trailers is further broken out into wheels with tires for off-highway use (8716.90.5056) and wheels with other tires (8716.90.5159).

Correction to Chapter 99

Finally, the ITC corrected certain errors in chapter 99, with effect from Jan. 1, 2010. Tariff subheadings covering temporary duty reductions for certain chemicals under subheadings 9902.40.88, 9902.40.89, 9902.40.90 and 9902.40.91 are corrected to fix the description of articles covered by the formerly duty-free subheadings. The subheadings cover chemicals under CAS No. 86508-42-1, including perfluorocarbons.