Tariffs & HTS
U.S. amends four China 301 exclusions after HTSUS code changes
USTR made conforming amendments to four product exclusions in the China Section 301 action on technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation, because the USITC changed 10-digit HTSUS statistical reporting numbers effective July 1, 2026. The amendments apply to goods entered on or after 12:01 a.m. EST on July 1, 2026 and are meant to keep the exclusions' existing product coverage.
What changed
The amended provisions are U.S. notes 20(vvv)(i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6) and (iv)(4) to subchapter III of HTSUS chapter 99, as set out in USTR annexes published from May 30, 2024 to December 1, 2025.
In the first three, the existing statistical reference (effective January 1, 2020) now runs through June 30, 2026, and from July 1, 2026 the exclusions cover goods described in statistical reporting numbers 8413.91.9039, 8413.91.9046, 8413.91.9059 or 8413.91.9099. In note 20(vvv)(iv)(4), the reference to 3926.90.9910 now applies before July 1, 2026, with 3926.90.9915 or 3926.90.9920 from that date.
The notice sets no new rates or new exclusions; CBP will issue entry guidance and implementation instructions.
What an import team should check
- Check whether any of your China-origin imports claim the exclusions in notes 20(vvv)(i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6) or (iv)(4), and which 10-digit number they are now reported under.
- Update classification records so entries from July 1, 2026 use 8413.91.9039, 8413.91.9046, 8413.91.9059, 8413.91.9099, 3926.90.9915 or 3926.90.9920 as applicable.
- Watch for CBP's entry guidance on these amendments and ask your broker to review entries filed since July 1, 2026 that claimed these exclusions.