CBP Says SIMA License Required for Pipe Spool Components

A Commerce Department license is required for prefabricated pipe spools that include components that would require such a license when imported separately, CBP said in a Dec. 28 CSMS message. “Where the [Harmonized Tariff Schedule] classification requires a license under the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) Program, a license is required for each entry summary line reporting that HTS classification,” CBP said. “Where the license is required but not reported for an entry summary line for an HTS, ACE will reject the entry filing. Accordingly, importers must obtain from Commerce, and report at the time of entry summary filing, a steel import license number for every entry summary line of a pipe spool where the HTS requires a steel import license.”

CBP previously said it would require filers to break out each pipe spool component by country of origin on a separate entry/entry summary line in order to assess applicable trade remedies, even though pipe spools have their own tariff classification. That position drew some concern from the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (see 2004220021).