Caterpillar 538 Grapple Skidder from China
A rubber-tired skidder with grapple arms for dragging felled trees from harvest sites to loading areas in forestry operations. Classified under HTS 8436.80.00.20 as forestry machinery due to its specialized grappling mechanism for log skidding. It features winch systems for steep terrain extraction.
Duty Rate — China → United States
37.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0125%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.05, 9903.88.06, 9903.88.07, 9903.88.08, 9903.88.10, 9903.88.11, 9903.88.14, 9903.88.19, 9903.88.50, 9903.88.52, 9903.88.58, 9903.88.60, 9903.88.62, 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(a) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(b) [to this subchapter]
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Include operator safety certifications and grapple load ratings in import paperwork to demonstrate forestry-specific design
• Label as 'forestry skidder' on commercial invoice; mislabeling as agricultural tractor leads to audits