U.S. CUSTOMS RETOOLS COMPLIANCE EFFORTS ON MACHINE TOOL PART IMPORTS

U.S. CUSTOMS RETOOLS COMPLIANCE EFFORTS ON MACHINE TOOL PART IMPORTS

   U.S. Customs said it has launched an initiative to improve compliance with the import of machine tool parts classified under Harmonized Tariff heading 8466.

   The agency, which said one of every four entries of machine tool parts under the 8466 heading contain errors, sent letters to the top 75 importers of the parts, outlining the most common errors found.

   The category covers parts and accessories fur use solely or principally with machine tools for working metals, wood, plastics and other materials classified in HTS headings 8456 to 8465.

   Customs said the primary problems are:

   * Parts and accessories for machine tools, such as nuts, bolts, screws, springs, bearings, motors, pumps valves and controls, should be classified under other tariff provisions, rather than under the 8466 heading.

   * Fully machined cast iron parts of machine tools are being incorrectly entered as parts that have been machined only for the removal of fins, gates, sprues and risers, or to permit location in finishing machinery.

   Customs warned the company that failure to take immediate corrective actions on import transactions that include the described errors would result in increased entry reviews and/or cargo examinations, penalties or other remedial actions.