What You Need To Import From China Before US Duties Increase December 15th

Background

In an effort to combat China’s trade practices related to the forced transfer of US technology and trademark violations, the US Government used authority under Section 301, to implement additional duties on imports of goods manufactured in China.

The implementation of 25% additional duties began on July 6th, 2018, with List 1 followed by List 2 on August 23rd, 2018. List 3 became effective on September 24th, 2018 with a 10% additional duty rate that increased to 25% on June 15th, 2019.

List 4 was split into two lists 4A and 4B. List 4A was implemented on September 4th, 2019 with a 15% duty rate and List 4B is set to be implemented on December 15th, 2019 at 15%.

The lists were created using an algorithm to ensure the impact to the US consumer started out low and gradually increased, hoping along the way the trade dispute would be settled before increasing duties on goods that are highly sought out by US consumers. This brings us to List 4B.

Important Update On Dec 13, 2019: Section 301 Duties Tranche 4(b) Suspended Indefinitely

Section 301 List 4B Will Affect US Consumers

List 4B, was purposely delayed until December 15th, 2019, as it contains the goods US Consumers purchase most often, especially around the holiday season.

What Should Consumers Buy Before Tariffs Come Into Effect

Electronics

• Cellphones
• Computer monitors
• Laptop computers
• Video games
• Home theater systems
• Projectors

Expensive Toys

• Power wheels and other ride-on toys
• Educational electronic toys

Kitchenware

• Disposable and non-disposable tableware
• Forks
• Spoons
• Knives
• Plates
• Glasses
• Toothpicks
• Food processors
• Mixers
• Microwaves
• Toaster ovens
• Bread boards

Personal Care Products

• Hair dryers and flatirons
• Electric razors and other electric hair removal products
• Scales
• Adult disposable diapers

Housewares

• Blinds and shutters
• Ornamental knick knacks
• Comforters
• Sheets
• Towels
• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Lithographs

Weather Protection Items

• Waterproof footwear
• Gloves
• Hats
• Scarves
• Umbrellas

Baby Products

• Disposable diapers
• High chairs and bouncy chairs
• Walkers
• Booster seats
• Baby swings
• Coloring books

Personal Items

• Tennis shoes
• Watches
• Clothing
• Suits
• Shirts
• Pants
• Underwear
• Bathrobes
• Pajamas
• Panty hose and socks
• Hair combs
• Clips
• Neck and bow ties

Holiday Items

• Christmas lights
• Cards
• Other festive articles
  

There were 25 products removed for the original list 4 that will not be subject to a 15% additional duty. Among those items removed are Frozen Cod, Haddock, and Salmon Fillets, Bibles and other religious books, mobile Lifting frames on tires and straddle carriers, tower cranes and child safety seats.

Important Dates

October 1st 2019

Minimum and Maximum MPF amounts set to increase.

October 15th, 2019

Section 301 additional duty rates on list 1, 2 and 3 are set to increase to 30%.

December 15th 2019

Effective date for Section 301 additional duty on List 4B.

Import Today

With the help of Pacific Customs Brokers you can import goods into the US and Canada from anywhere in the world. If you want to explore your import options contact us to get started.