September 20, 2019 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that imports of Korean origin steel that is subject to absolute quota under Section 232 will require an export certificate issued by the Korean government for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse as of October 18, 2019.
Imports of Korean steel had been subject to absolute quota since May 1, 2018. Goods entered under quota require the use of a primary Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number of 9903.80.05 – 9903.80.58, which depends on the steel product HTS number.
President Trump signed Proclamation 9777 on September 4, 2018, advising that when a country subject to absolute quota for steel (currently Korea, Argentina, and Brazil) advises it has established a mechanism for the certification of exports for products covered under these quantitative limitations, CBP may require importers to furnish the certificate to qualify for the quota.
Since Korea now has such a mechanism in place, CBP will now require the valid Korean export certificate. Subject goods will not be released unless the entry summary is accompanied by a valid and properly executed certificate of export.
Importers should obtain the certificate from their exporter and submit a copy to Livingston to file with their entry summary.
Exporters apply for the certificate at the Korea Iron and Steel Association website.
If you have any questions regarding CBP’s requiring a Korean export certificate for imports of steel products under absolute quota, Livingston can help! Please contact your Livingston account manager, or our U.S. Regulatory Affairs Group at usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com