US car tariffs confuse with tariff code for computers and hard drives
The US customs sweep caused confusion. In some cases, general customs codes are included for computer hardware.
(Image: heise online)
Although the customs codes are sometimes kept very general, importers can apparently limit their validity via the customs documents. In this case, the 25 per cent tariffs would actually only apply to computer technology that is installed in vehicles. For other hardware, material- and country-specific tariffs may continue to apply. We have extensively modified the report.
The US auto tariffs led to confusion with long bureaucratic texts and lists of tariff codes. In the list of affected product categories, a four-digit tariff number in particular caused a stir, which heise online had also originally misinterpreted. 8471, according to the international code, generalizes:
"Automatic data-processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, n.e.s."
In non-bureaucratic terms, this basically means all computers – be they desktop PCs, notebooks, MacBooks or Macs. Magnetic readers stand for hard drives, but not SSDs, strictly speaking. When importing from abroad, a flat rate of 25 per cent customs duty is due for the products concerned.
Most customs codes apply specifically to automotive products and therefore do not require any restriction. In the case of computer technology, however, the validity can be restricted via the customs documents. Thus, 25 percent customs duty applies to hardware components intended for cars. Country- and material-specific customs duties may apply to PC components.
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Confusion
The 25 per cent tariffs are currently the only surcharge for cars and components, including chips. The US government is currently excluding the country-specific tariffs of up to 50 per cent from products affected by the car tariffs.
However, a question mark remains over chips. The US government is keeping separate tariffs for semiconductors, which could further increase the price of individual components if they are also introduced.
(mma)
