9903.88.65 - Effective with respect to entries on or after January 1, 2021, and through November 30, 2021, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(rrr) to this subchapter, each covered by an exclusion granted by the U.S. Trade Representative

This HTS category, 9903.88.65, designates a specific temporary modification to import duties for articles originating from China. It applies exclusively to goods that have received an exclusion granted by the U.S. Trade Representative, as outlined in U.S. note 20(rrr) to this subchapter. This classification is active for entries made between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021, and covers those specific items for which a formal exclusion process has been successfully completed.

Distinguishing this category from typical product-based HTS classifications (such as those in Chapters 1-98) is crucial. While those chapters classify goods based on their inherent physical characteristics, material composition, or intended use, 9903.88.65 is a temporary legislative provision. Its sole purpose is to manage the tariff treatment of a particular subset of Chinese goods that have been exempted from certain trade restrictions during a defined period, based on specific U.S. government action rather than the intrinsic nature of the goods themselves.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 9903.88.65 is therefore determined solely by whether the imported article meets the criteria of being a product of China, having a U.S. Trade Representative exclusion granted, and falling within the specified entry date range. Importers must ensure they have documented proof of the exclusion for accurate customs declarations.