Subtleties Can Differentiate List 4A-Tariffed Goods From 4B, Says Trade Group

The fourth tranche of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods that the Trump administration split into two subgroups, lists 4A and 4B, includes many very similar items that will require specificity for differentiating among them, blogged the Atlanta International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association. Tariffs of 15 percent tariffs on the 4A goods took effect Sept. 1, and 15 percent duties on 4B items start Dec. 15. President Donald Trump said the 4B duties were deferred so they wouldn't hurt holiday shopping (see 1908130028). "Importers should pay special attention to material construction and product descriptions, now more than ever," said the association. "The two lists, in many cases, only differ after the 8th digit level of the Tariff number," which is based on material construction or specific uses, it said. "Projectors capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine are on list 4A, unless they are color video projectors with a flat panel screen incorporating a VCR or player," said the trade group. "LED light bulbs and Christmas light bulbs escape higher tariffs until December while filament lamps are on List 4A."