Recent Customs News and Updates
Temporary Suspension of Duties on UK and German Prints and Photographs Effective March 11th
3/24/2021
Due to a mutual agreement between the United States and the European Union, all tariffs related to the World Trade Organization Aircraft disputes have been temporarily suspended for a 4 month period, in order to allow additional time for settlement negotiations. The suspension went into effect on March 11, 2021 and temporarily removes the 25% Duty applied to contemporary photographs, prints, and lithographs originating from Germany and the United Kingdom. Additional information can be found at the following link:
While we are hopeful that a settlement will be reached, there is no guarantee that the suspension will be extended past the 4 month period. For more information on these tariffs and their potential impact, please contact your U.S.Art Representative.
Update on Coronavirus Flight Delays and Cancellations:
2/21/20
With the recent Coronavirus pandemic, many airlines are canceling or postponing their flights to and from Asia. This is effecting both passenger and all-cargo routing and is causing additional pressure on airlines around the globe. We will continue to monitor and appreciate your patience and understanding.
9/18/2020
“”NEW”” Chinese Origin Paintings to Remain Exempt from Section 301 Duties until December 31, 2020
On August 31, 2020 the office of the United States Trade Representative granted extensions on certain exclusions from the China 301 List 4 Tariffs. The extensions were originally granted on July 20, 2020 and we set to expire on September 1, 2020. While the initial exclusions covered a majority of artworks listed under chapter 97 in the USHTS, the extension currently only applies to original Paintings, Drawings, and Pastels covered under HTS code 9701.100000. The exclusion for 9701 items is now set to expire on December 31 2020. There is no guarantee that an additional extension will be granted after that time. Additional information can be found at the following link: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/301Investigations/%24300_Billion_Exclusion_Extensions_August_2020.pdf
U.S.Art will continue to follow the situation as it unfolds. Please contact your U.S.Art customer service representative with any questions or concerns.
Reduction of Tariffs on Chinese Origin Goods
2/14/2020
With the signage of the Phase 1 Trade Agreement between the U.S. and China on January 15, 2020, section 301 additional tariffs on List 4A goods from China were reduced from 15 percent to 7.5%. The effective date for the decrease was 2/14/2020. Items covered under the List 4A goods include photographs, artwork, and antiques of Chinese Origin. A full list of HTS Codes effected can be found at the following link: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/section-301-china/300-billion-trade-action. Duty rates are determined by the Country of Origin (country of manufacture or production of an object). The current location or country of export does not determine the duty rate for an object. Please contact your local U.S.Art rep for additional assistance.
New Import Restrictions on Archaeological and Ethnological Materials from Ecuador
2/12/2020
Ecuador has joined the list of countries protected under the authority of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. Articles such as Archaeological Materials, Stone, Ceramic, Metal, Organic Materials, Ethnological Material, Paintings, Sculptures, Furniture, Metalwork, Textiles, and Documents are subject to the restrictions and will require additional documentation prior to entry into the United States. Please contact your U.S.Art rep with any questions. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/14/2020-03118/import-restrictions-imposed-on-archaeological-and-ethnological-material-from-ecuador
For a more complete list of USA Natural Cultural Heritage Laws and countries protected under the Cultural Property Implementation Act, please visit the following link: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/us/laws/
25% Duties on Contemporary Prints and Photographs from the UK & Germany
10/18/2019
As a result of an ongoing aircraft subsidy dispute between the United States and the European Union, the US imposed additional tariffs of 25% on more than 150 goods of European Origin. Covered in that list are artwork prints, lithographs, or photographs made by any mechanical or photomechanical process within the last 20 years. A full list of items effected can be found at the following link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/18/2019-22902/technical-adjustments-to-section-301-action-enforcement-of-us-wto-rights-in-large-civil-aircraft . Duty rates are determined by the Country of Origin (country of manufacture or production of an object). The current location or country of export does not determine the duty rate for an object. Please contact your local U.S.Art rep for additional assistance.