The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced today more Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain imported Chinese products appearing on List 3. These products have been subject to Section 301 tariffs since September 24, 2018. The USTR determined that two 10-digit subheadings will be excluded in their entirety:

  • 8409.91.3000: Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 8407 or 8408: Suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines (including rotary engines): Aluminum cylinder heads; and
  • 8708.50.9500: Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705: Drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof: Other: Half-shafts.

The USTR will also exclude products within 34 specially prepared product descriptions, which cover products such as various types of floor coverings; dog and cat leashes; certain silk fabrics; high-tenacity single yarn of polyester multifilament; static converters designed for wireless (inductive) charging of telecommunication devices; certain extension cords; bicycle speedometers; certain folding chairs/stools; certain tools and cutting pliers; certain ultrasonic cleaners; certain drive shafts mainly for use in recreation off-road vehicles; and certain tension pole shower caddies.

These product exclusions will be retroactive to September 24, 2018, and remain in effect until August 7, 2020. These exclusions apply to any product that satisfies the description in the annexes of the Federal Register notice, regardless of whether the company using the exclusion filed the request. Each exclusion is governed by the scope of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading and the product description appearing in the annex of the exclusion notice; it is not governed by the product description set out in any particular exclusion request. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will soon issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation. USTR will continue to issue determinations on pending requests on a periodic basis.