HS 680229 Other stone

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What products does HS 680229 cover?

This subheading covers worked monumental or building stone, other than marble, travertine and alabaster, of an apparent specific gravity of 2.5 or more, and chromite, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely sawn, with a flat or even surface. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC, this category specifically includes stones like granite, basalt, sandstone, and quartzite that have undergone basic processing but are not further shaped or finished into specific articles. The key is that the stone is "other" than those explicitly mentioned in preceding subheadings within 6802.

What falls outside HS 680229?

The following products are excluded from HS 680229: worked monumental or building stone that is marble, travertine, or alabaster, as these are classified under HS 680221. Additionally, stone that is not worked or is only roughly trimmed or broken into irregular shapes is generally excluded. Products that have been further manufactured into specific items like tiles, slabs, or decorative elements with finished surfaces, or articles such as statues or mosaics, would also fall under different HS codes, often within Chapter 68 or other chapters depending on the final form and material composition.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 680229?

A common error is misclassifying worked stone based on its appearance rather than its specific mineralogical composition and the extent of its working. For instance, confusing granite (which falls under 680229) with marble (classified under 680221) is frequent. Another mistake involves classifying stone that has undergone further processing beyond "roughly trimmed or merely sawn, with a flat or even surface," such as polished slabs or cut-to-size tiles, which may belong to more specific subheadings or even different headings altogether, potentially violating General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.

How should importers classify products under HS 680229?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 680229 involves a multi-step approach. Importers and customs brokers must first identify the specific type of stone (e.g., granite, basalt) and verify its apparent specific gravity is 2.5 or more. Next, they must confirm that the stone is "worked" but not further processed than "roughly trimmed or merely sawn, with a flat or even surface." Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and cross-referencing with the WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 680229?

A shipment of 10,000 kilograms of rough-cut granite slabs, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.015 = $75.00), and a specific duty of $0.015 per kilogram ($0.015/kg × 10,000 kg = $150.00). The total duty would be the higher of the two, which is $150.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 6802290000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 680229?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 680229, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), under which originating goods may be admitted duty-free. For goods originating from countries that are beneficiaries of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), duties may also be reduced or eliminated. For example, originating granite from Canada under USMCA would be Free. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid origin declaration on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin is typically required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is often necessary.

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