HS 700600 Optical glass

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What products does HS 700600 cover?

This subheading covers flat-rolled glass and surface-ground or polished glass, specifically those manufactured from optical glass. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, optical glass is defined by its specific refractive and dispersive properties, crucial for optical instruments. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes glass shaped for lenses, prisms, and other optical components, provided it meets the stringent optical quality standards and is not further worked beyond surface finishing.

What falls outside HS 700600?

The following products are excluded from HS 700600: glass that has undergone further working, such as cutting to shape for specific optical devices or coating, unless these operations are solely for surface finishing. Also excluded are glass articles that are not made from optical glass, even if they are flat-rolled and finished, such as standard window glass or mirror glass. Glassware for laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical purposes, even if made of optical glass, is classified under different headings, typically Chapter 38 or Chapter 70, depending on its specific use and form.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 700600?

A common error is misinterpreting "optical glass" to include any glass with a high refractive index. The WCO and national tariff schedules define optical glass based on precise optical properties (e.g., Abbe number, refractive index) that are essential for its intended use in optical instruments. Another mistake involves classifying glass that has been cut to a specific lens shape or has undergone coating processes as falling under this subheading, when such further working typically necessitates classification under more specific headings within Chapter 70 or even Chapter 90, according to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3.

How should importers classify products under HS 700600?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 700600 involves first verifying that the glass is indeed manufactured from optical glass, with documented optical properties meeting recognized standards. Importers must then confirm that the glass is flat-rolled and has only undergone surface grinding or polishing, without further significant working. Reviewing the product's technical specifications and comparing them against the descriptive notes in the WCO HS, USITC HTS, or EU TARIC is crucial. Consulting with a customs broker or the relevant customs authority is recommended if there is any ambiguity.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 700600?

A specific product, such as a 10 cm x 10 cm x 0.5 cm polished optical glass blank for a camera lens, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 5% × $50 USD = $2.50 USD. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 700600.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 700600?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 700600, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to Free (0%) duty rates for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The UK Global Tariff may also offer preferential rates for goods originating from countries with which the UK has an agreement. For USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For other agreements, such as those with developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a Form A may be necessary, potentially reducing duties to Free (0%) for eligible origins like India.

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