MAPP Plastics Discussion Forum

Good Afternoon Fellow MAPP Members,

I am reaching out today in hopes of raising awareness of any new tariffs that are in place or potentially in the pipeline that may impact our businesses.

I believe the HTS code for molds for rubber or plastics injection is 8480.71.80 and according to the hyperlink below, states a 35% duty fee. Just curious if others are tracking the same information and wondering if anyone has recommended resources to help classify items as well.
https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=8480.71.80

Thanks in advance for support or conversation regarding this topic.

Very Respectfully,

Travis Tipler

Hello Travis: that is the correct HTS code. A lot of mold builders from China and actually OEM customers are misclassifying the codes to try to avoid the tariff. Not a good idea since the feds are catching on and making sure the correct code is applied, leaving molders like you stuck holding the bag on paying the tariff to get the mold released from customs. Best tactic for minimizing the tariff remains carving out non-physical object items such as engineering, testing, and shipping costs, and having the mold builder invoice those to you separately. Those items are not covered by any tariff.

-Alan

Does any member have experience importing a tool since the tariff has been lifted? Our forwarder is claiming that we must pay the tariff and request a refund later, as the repeal has not been "made official".

Rob Weiss
Injection Works, Inc.

We have not had any molds come in recently but I do know they stated it would take 10 days after the Federal government shutdown ends before the tariff rates would be adjusted. Until then, we are left to follow the refund process.

Dan Dammen
Reo Plastics, Inc.