New HTS Codes to Bolster Precise Classification of Aluminum and Aluminum Products

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for aluminum imports have come into effect starting July 1^st this year. The changes are expected to address various issues facing the industry, including product misclassification, transshipment and duty evasion.

The Aluminum Association had demanded 75 changes to the system in order to ensure accurate classification of aluminum and aluminum products. The interagency committee, comprising of representatives from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC),Census Bureau, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies, approved only 41 changes. 7 of the changes were rejected, whereas 27 were deferred for further consultations.

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The newly approved changes will lead to accurate tracking and monitoring of aluminum trade flows, industry participants observed.

The Interagency Committee will now consider the 27 pending requests, after receiving additional inputs and clarifications to questions raised by them, from the aluminum industry chain. They will be taken up in the next cycle. If approved, the implementation of the same will happen by January 1, 2020.