On 8 November 2013 the International Trade Administration Commission published an investigation into the following amendments of the following tariff subheadings under tariff heading (TH) 8302 (TH 8302 provides for "Base metal mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for furniture, doors, staircases, windows, blinds, coachwork, saddlery, trunks, chests, caskets or the like; base metal hat-racks, hat-pegs, brackets and similar fixtures; castors with mountings of base metal; automatic door closers of base metal"):
- 8302.30 - Other mountings, fittings and similar articles
suitable for motor vehicles:
- 8302.30.30: Fittings of iron, steel or copper, c (excluding window opening mechanisms), for windows, doors and door frames.
- 8302.41 - Suitable for buildings:
- 8302.41.10 – Fittings of iron, steel or copper, of a kind solely or principally for windows, doors and door frames
- 8302.42 - Other, suitable for furniture:
- 8302.42.10 - Fittings of iron, steel or copper, of a kind solely or principally for doors and door frames
For comment by 22 November 2013.
The application was brought by the South African Revenue Service, which gave as reasons for its application:
- On importation, it is not possible to establish whether or not the fittings that fall under these tariff subheadings will be used for factory installation on windows, doors, and/or door frames. The prerequisite of "commonly used in the manufacture" is therefore removed.
- The removal of "of base metal" where it appears in 8302.30.30 has no impact as vehicles are predominantly made from base metal but even if made from another material the subheading provision remains valid to those vehicles.
Manufactures in the motor vehicle, building and furniture industries should be aware of these changes and review it to determine any possible impact that it might have on their industries.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
