USTR updates one China Section 301 product exclusion code
USTR issued a conforming amendment to one additional Section 301 product exclusion tied to China after USITC changed HTSUS statistical reporting categories. The notice preserves existing product coverage rather than creating a new exclusion.
What this affects
China| 8479.90.9591 | Statistical reporting number referenced for the amended exclusion |
| Chapter 99 | Subchapter III note amended for the Section 301 exclusion |
Codes are a starting point, not a classification. Confirm your own 10-digit HTS before you rely on a rate, using our HTS classification guide.
The update
This notice makes a conforming amendment to one additional product exclusion under the Section 301 action concerning China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. USTR says the change is needed because USITC revised certain ten-digit HTSUS statistical reporting categories effective July 1, 2026.
The notice modifies U.S. note 20(vvv)(i)(20) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS. It inserts language stating that the exclusion is described in statistical reporting number 8479.90.9591 effective July 1, 2026, while preserving the prior description through June 30, 2026. USTR states the purpose is to maintain the pre-existing product coverage of the China 301 actions.
The amendment applies to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on July 1, 2026. CBP will issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation.
Impact
This is a classification and administration update, but it can still affect duty treatment if entry data uses the wrong statistical reporting number. Importers relying on this exclusion need to align classifications, broker instructions, and post-entry review with the amended HTSUS reference so the exclusion continues to apply as intended.
What to watch
The notice does not announce a new tariff rate or a new exclusion. It only updates the HTSUS statistical reporting reference for one exclusion, and CBP implementation instructions are still to come.
How to prepare
- 1Review affected entry classifications
Confirm whether the excluded product is being reported under the amended statistical reporting number.
- 2Update broker filing instructions
Make sure customs brokers use the revised exclusion reference on applicable entries.
- 3Check July 1 entries
Review entries from the effective date forward for consistency with the amended HTSUS reference.
- 4Watch for CBP guidance
CBP will issue entry and implementation instructions that may affect filing details.
Sources
- Notice of Conforming Amendment to Product Exclusion: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation · Federal Register · October 7, 2026
- Trump's Section 301 forced-labor tariffs are being challenged in trade court again · Quartz · September 30, 2026
- Beijing criticises push for European Section 301-style tool to counter China · South China Morning Post · September 30, 2026
- United States, China Extend the Section 301 Tariff Pause · RVBusiness · October 1, 2026
We summarize published reporting and official notices. Always confirm rates and dates against the Federal Register or your customs broker before acting on them.