USTR Releases Another Round Of List 3 Exclusions

On February 19, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced another new round of exclusions for products on List 3. This list covers nearly $200 billion in Chinese goods and this round of exclusions covers one entire 10-digit HTS subheading and 61 specifically identified product descriptions. Additionally, USTR amended three previously published product exclusions, expanding the scope of two exclusions and reducing the scope of the third.

This round of exclusions includes a wide variety of products, including certain specific types of fabric, mechanical part for vehicle sunroofs, fireplace mantels, and power supply units, among other products. USTR also listed one narrow product exclusion for two-layer wood flooring. The amendments to previously published exclusions expanded the dollar value range for certain excluded anti-vibration control components and expanded the scope of another exclusion to include table lamps with either a charging pad or USB port. The only reduction USTR made to the scope of previously granted exemptions was from a pet collar category. Due to the wide variety of items covered, members are encouraged to review or have their importer review the list.

Exclusions for these List 3 goods apply retroactively for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after September 24, 2018. The exclusions remain in effect until August 7, 2020. Note that product exclusions are not importer-specific—they are applicable for any importer of the excluded merchandise. The scope of the exclusions is governed by the language of the product descriptions provided by USTR in its list, not by product descriptions shown in any particular exclusion request or HTS classification.

Depending on the entry date, anyone who believes they are eligible for a product exclusion will need to file a post-summary correction or protest of liquidation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to obtain a refund for excluded products that entered U.S. customs territory on or after September 24, 2018.

The RV Industry Association will continue to monitor the List 3 exclusion process and keep members informed of future rounds of exclusions. For more information, contact Samantha Rocci at srocci@rvia.org.