Helium Weather Balloon from China
A large latex or mylar balloon filled with helium used for meteorological research to carry instruments aloft. Classified under HTS 8801.00.00 as a balloon, a non-powered aircraft, distinct from toy balloons due to scientific payload capacity.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 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(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Provide payload and burst altitude specs to distinguish from toy balloons under 9503
• Ensure documentation includes end-use for meteorological or research purposes to prevent reclassification