9903.02.55 - Except for goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 7, 2025, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, except for products described in headings 9903.01.30-9903.01.33, and except as provided for in headings 9903.01.34 and 9903.02.01, articles the product of South Africa, as provided for in subdivision (v) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit of Quantity | N/A |
| General Rate of Duty (Column 1 - General) | The duty provided in the applicable subheading + 30% |
| Special Rate of Duty (Column 1 - Special) | The duty provided in the applicable subheading + 30% |
| Column 2 Rate of Duty | The duty provided in the applicable subheading |
| Quota Quantity | N/A |
| Additional Duties | N/A |
Overview
This HTS classification, 9903.02.55, pertains to a specific set of articles that are the product of South Africa. These goods are subject to temporary legislative modifications and additional import restrictions proclaimed under Section 22 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Crucially, this provision includes specific date-based exceptions related to when goods were loaded onto a vessel and when they are entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse. Furthermore, it carves out exceptions for products falling under headings 9903.01.30-9903.01.33 and also for those covered by headings 9903.01.34 and 9903.02.01.
Distinguishing this category from its sibling HTS codes, which span various live animals and a multitude of other goods, is its focus on South African origin and its placement within the "Special Classification Provisions" and "Temporary Legislation" sections. While other HTS codes might classify specific South African goods based on their inherent nature (e.g., by material or function), 9903.02.55 addresses these goods through a lens of trade policy and temporary restrictions. Its purpose is not to define the inherent characteristics of the goods themselves, but rather to regulate their importation based on their origin and the timing of their transit and entry.
As a leaf node, this classification does not have subcategories. Therefore, classification into 9903.02.55 hinges entirely on meeting all the stipulated origin and timing requirements outlined in the description. Importers must carefully verify that the goods are indeed products of South Africa and that their customs entry complies with the specific dates and exceptions detailed within the classification note.