Shipbreaking Steel Plate Scrap from China
Heavy steel plates and hull sections from decommissioned ships, unprepared and rusty but ferrous-dominant for remelting. Classified as 'other' waste and scrap under HTS 7204.49.00; no duty reduction for rust per chapter note.
Duty Rate — China → United States
25%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.860%Universal product exemption (U.S. note 52(b))
Import Tips
• Obtain Basel Convention approvals if transshipping through regulated ports
• Detail plate thickness (>6mm typically) in invoices to confirm HMS eligibility
• Rust is allowable but quantify non-metallic content (<5%) to prevent undervaluation claims