USA Tariff Rates and Certifications

Current import tariff rates by country and product category, and which certifications are required

Certification Requirements for Preferential Tariff Treatment

Click each certification type below to view detailed requirements for claiming tariff exemptions or reduced rates
US Tariff Certification Requirements

US Tariff Certification Requirements

Last Updated: January 2026
USMCA Certificate of Origin (Canada/Mexico)
● Active

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement does not require a specific certificate form. Claims for preferential treatment must include nine minimum data elements as specified in USMCA Chapter 5, Annex 5-A, which may be presented on an invoice or any other document.

Required Data Elements (9 Minimum):
  1. Certifier's name, address, telephone, and email
  2. Exporter's name, address, email, and telephone (if different from certifier)
  3. Producer's name, address, email, and telephone (if different; or "Available upon request" or "Various" if multiple producers)
  4. Importer's name, address, email, and telephone (if known)
  5. Description and HS tariff classification of the good (6-digit level)
  6. Origin criteria under USMCA Article 4.2
  7. Blanket period (if applicable, up to 12 months) or indicate if certification covers a single shipment
  8. Authorized signature and date
  9. Country of origin
Recordkeeping: Maintain supporting documentation for a minimum of five (5) years from date of certification.
Special Program Indicator
Use "S" on customs entry
De Minimis Exemption
≤ $2,500 USD commercial
Current Usage
~87% of CA/MX imports
GSP Certificate of Origin (Form A)
● Expired - Pending Renewal

The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences program expired on December 31, 2020, and is currently pending Congressional reauthorization. GSP-eligible goods must pay "General" (column 1) duty rates until the program is renewed.

Historical Note: Congress has historically retroactively reauthorized GSP to the expiration date, allowing for duty refunds. U.S. importers have paid over $3 billion in duties from 2021-2023 on GSP-eligible goods.
When Active, GSP Requirements Include:
  • Form A (GSP Certificate of Origin) required for preferential treatment claims
  • Goods must be wholly obtained or produced, or contain at least 35% value added in beneficiary country
  • Direct importation requirement from GSP-eligible country
  • Compliance with origin criteria per 19 CFR 10.171-10.178
Special Program Indicator
"A" / "A+" (LDCs)
Beneficiary Countries
119+ developing countries
Eligible Products
3,500+ items when active
Exempt Product-Specific Exemptions
● Active - No Certification Required

Certain products are exempt from baseline reciprocal tariffs under Executive Order provisions. These exemptions are generally applied uniformly across non-Chinese trading partners.

Exempt Product Categories:
  • Petroleum and crude oil – Essential energy products
  • Industrial raw materials – Many foundational manufacturing inputs
  • Pharmaceuticals – Most pharmaceutical products (excluding patented/branded drugs subject to 100% tariff unless US manufacturing commitments made)
  • Industrial machinery – Various categories of production equipment
  • Semiconductors – Semiconductors and chip-making equipment (under investigation)
  • Aircraft and parts – Certain aviation products under bilateral agreements (e.g., UK)
  • Agricultural products – Select food and agricultural goods
Important Limitation: Goods from China are excluded from most product-based tariff exemptions. Product exemptions are evaluated based on HTS classification at time of entry.
Import Coverage
~38% of US imports
Certification
None required
Application
Automatic by HTS code
Sec 232 Steel/Aluminum Derivative Exemptions
● Active - Certification Required

Derivative articles containing steel or aluminum may qualify for Section 232 tariff exemption if the base metals meet specific domestic processing requirements.

Exemption Criteria:
  • Steel: Must be melted and poured in the United States
  • Aluminum: Must be smelted and cast in the United States
  • Certification of domestic processing required at time of entry
  • 407 additional derivative products added to Section 232 coverage effective August 18, 2025
  • Non-steel/aluminum portions may be reported separately but remain subject to reciprocal tariffs based on Country of Origin
Tariff Application: Section 232 tariffs apply at 50% ad valorem on the value of steel/aluminum content only, not the entire product value. UK remains at 25% rate.
Standard Rate
50% (40-50% range)
Effective Date
June 4, 2025 increase
Coverage
Base + 407 derivatives
Required General Compliance Requirements
● Applies to All Imports

All importers must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements regardless of certification type or preferential treatment claims.

Importer Responsibilities:
  • Declaration: Importer of record must properly declare value, classification, country of origin at time of entry
  • Payment: Responsible for paying all applicable duties, taxes, and fees
  • Documentation: Maintain and provide certification and supporting documentation upon CBP request
  • Verification: Be prepared for customs audits and verifications
  • Accuracy: Ensure all declarations and certifications are accurate and complete
De Minimis Suspension: The de minimis exemption for expedited/low-value shipments was suspended effective August 29, 2025. All imports are now subject to applicable duties and tariffs regardless of value.
Increased Scrutiny: CBP has increased audit activity in 2025, particularly for complex goods like automobiles and electronics. Ensure records can withstand verification and maintain complete documentation trails.

Official Certification & Compliance References

CBP USMCA Frequently Asked Questions – Official guidance on USMCA certification requirements
CBP USMCA Trade Portal – Additional USMCA implementation guidance and resources
CBP Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) – GSP program information and status
USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) – Official US tariff database and product classifications
CBP Import/Export Basics – General customs compliance requirements
Congressional Research Service Report R48549 – Presidential 2025 tariff actions timeline and status

Last updated January 2026 • Tariff rates are subject to change and may vary based on specific product classifications and trade agreements

Always verify current rates with official sources before making business decisions

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HTS Code Search

Click each certification type below to view detailed requirements for claiming tariff exemptions or reduced rates
HS Code Lookup

HS Code Lookup

Last Updated: January 2026
Popular categories shown first: Apparel and jewelry codes are displayed at the top for quick access. Use search to find any product by name, description, or HS code. The Harmonized System (HS) is an international nomenclature for the classification of products used by customs authorities worldwide.

Official HS Code Resources

USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule – Official US tariff database with complete HS code listings
US Census Bureau Schedule B – Export classification codes
World Customs Organization – International HS nomenclature standards

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