Section 301 additional tariffs are not a blanket across all categories — they follow lists and codes. Whether your product is on the list directly determines how much the cost differs.
What problem this rule solves
Section 301 tariffs are additional duties on top of ordinary tariffs.
They apply only to goods on specific lists.
What sellers care about most: is my code on the list.
This article explains the list logic and the official way to check.
What Section 301 tariffs are
They were initiated under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
They add duties on top of ordinary tariffs for imports from specific sources.
The additional tariffs are listed item by item by HTS code, not applied broadly by major category.
The specific scope and rates are subject to the latest USTR announcement.
How the lists are divided
They are published in batches, usually called List 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on.
Each batch corresponds to a set of HTS codes.
The same product may fall under different lists depending on its code.
The lists are revised, and historically there have been adjustments and exclusions.
How the additional tariffs map onto codes
They appear in Chapter 99 of the HTS tariff schedule.
Additional subheadings beginning with 9903 correspond to the additional tariffs.
To judge, check whether your code corresponds to a 9903 subheading.
So to check Section 301, you must look at both your own code and Chapter 99.
How to verify it yourself (official channels)
| What to check | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Original list text and announcements | USTR website |
| 9903 additional subheadings | hts.usitc.gov Chapter 99 |
| Official announcement text and effective dates | Federal Register |
| Implementation details and declaration requirements | CBP website |
Pitfalls sellers easily fall into
Only checking rates in Chapters 1–97 and missing the additional tariffs in Chapter 99.
Using an old list without following the revisions.
Judging only by product name instead of checking digit by digit against the HTS code.
Not factoring the additional tariffs into cost when quoting, so profit gets eaten away.
Assuming that if others aren't affected, I'm not either — when in fact it's judged by code.
Documents you need to prepare
An accurate HTS code.
Product description and specifications.
Commercial invoice and packing list.
Documents related to country of origin.
If applying for an exclusion, prepare all materials as required by the announcement.
What an exclusion request is
Some goods can apply for an exclusion, and once approved, the additional tariff may be temporarily waived within scope.
Exclusions have an application window and a validity period — they are not a permanent exemption.
Whether you can apply and how to apply are subject to the latest USTR announcement.
Two common misconceptions
Misconception one: the additional tariffs are temporary and will just go away. Policy does get adjusted, but you can't treat that as a given when pricing.
Misconception two: if I don't declare, it's none of my business. Compliant declaration is the importer's responsibility.
What to do before quoting
First confirm the code, then check Chapter 99 for the additional tariff subheading.
Use the latest USTR announcement to confirm whether it's on the list.
Factor the possible additional tariffs into cost before setting the final selling price.
