USA tariff exemptions

[tjones180]

Are collectable Victorian Christmas cards and postcards exempt from USA Tariffs ? I refer to items that are ocer 100 years old. Published exemption lists are unclear.

[4_bathrooms]

The "50 U.S.C. § 1702(b)" exemptions are defined thus:

"(3) the importation from any country, or the exportation to any country, whether commercial or otherwise, regardless of format or medium of transmission, of any information or informational materials, including but not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact disks, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds."

Other exemptions apply to things such as raw materials, fuels, pharmaceuticals and technology such as mobile phones, computers and semiconductors. Antiques are not specifically exempted.

I would posit Christmas cards fall into the informational materials category especially as they fall under the 49xxxxxxxx tariff heading along with printed books, newspapers etc. You will need to enter the correct commodity/tariff code - 4909000000 - on the CN22.

[magpiecorner1]

Antique are exempt.

 HS 9706.00.00  - items of an age exceeding 100 years.

HS 4911.99.80  -  other printed matter, not elsewhere specified  

both tariff free to USA

Look up the HS numbers to check the above numbers are indeed the most apt, to get the numbers google harmonised system or trade tariffs on the HMRC website.

We send to USA via Royal Mail PDDP (postal deliveries duties paid) - and the HS number is always required - if you fill in the form on the Royal Mail site down to the HS number, you will be able to see the calculation before you buy.  I haven't sent an antique but have sent items made in USA, the tariffs goes to O and just the 50p charge for using the service remains.  Well worth using, goes straight through customs and there is even tracking on non-tracked items.

Search Harmonised System or Trade Tariff on the HMRC website, to confirm if I have suggested the most appropriate HS numbers.

Let me know how you get on!

[4_bathrooms]

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@magpiecorner1 wrote:

Antique are exempt.

 HS 9706.00.00  - items of an age exceeding 100 years.

HS 4911.99.80  -  other printed matter, not elsewhere specified  

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Do you have a link where it states antiques (heading 9706) are exempt? All I can find is United States Border Control's FAQ (last updated 5th December) on the subject which states:

"What are informational materials described in 9903.01.22, 9903.01.12, 9903.01.03, and 9903.01.31?

Headings 9903.01.22, 9903.01.12, 9903.01.03, and 9903.01.31 describe informational materials, including but not limited to, publications, films, posters, phonograph records, photographs, microfilms, microfiche, tapes, compact discs, CD ROMs, artworks, and news wire feeds.

Goods properly classified under the following headings and subheadings of the HTSUS may qualify for the exception under 9903.01.22, 9903.01.12, 9903.01.03, and 9903.01.31: Chapter 49; goods provided for in headings 3704, 3705, 3706, 5807, 8310, and 9701 through 9705, inclusive; goods provided for in subheadings 6307.90.30, 6307.90.85, 8523.80.10, 8523.29, 8523.41, 8523.49, 9405.61, and 9405.69."

[tjones180]

Very many thanks for your help. I have gone through the long list of exemptions you mention. Postcards/greetings cards are not specifically mentioned, but the impression I have is that most printed material is exempt. Almost all my items are pre1925, so, with luck, tariffs will not be applicable. Whether the Royal Mail customs registration will agree with me is another matter . Regards, Terry

Sent from Outlook for Android<>

[4_bathrooms]

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@tjones180 wrote:
Postcards/greetings cards are not specifically mentioned. Postcards/greetings cards are not specifically mentioned, but the impression I have is that most printed material is exempt.

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They don't need to be specifically mentioned. The USBC's guidance states the entirety of Chapter 49 qualifies for the exception so anything with a commodity code starting "49" is exempt - this means most printed material as you correctly mention. Greetings cards fall under commodity code 4909000000 so are therefore exempt. 

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@tjones180 wrote:
Almost all my items are pre1925, so, with luck, tariffs will not be applicable. 

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Chapter 97 is concerned with "works of art, collector's pieces and antiques" - as per the USBC's guidance headings 9701 through 9705 are exempt. "Antiques of an age exceeding 100 years" fall under heading 9706 which is NOT exempted according to that guidance.

You therefore need to send them as greetings cards and not as antiques. As mentioned the correct commodity code would be 4909000000 - this is the code you need to enter on the CN22 or when prompted for the HS Tariff/commodity code.