Steel Modular Office Building from China

A prefabricated steel office structure finished in the factory with internal fittings like walls, doors, and electrical wiring, designed for on-site assembly into a permanent office space. It falls under HTS 9406.90.0130 as a prefabricated building of metal, other than houses or greenhouses, entered as elements to be assembled. This classification applies because it meets the definition of modular building units substantially pre-fitted internally.

Duty Rate — China → United States

37.9%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)

Import Tips

Verify that all modular units are entered together with assembly instructions to qualify as prefabricated buildings; obtain structural engineering certifications for compliance with US building codes

Common pitfall: misclassifying as mere metal structures without proving prefabricated intent

Ensure documentation shows factory pre-fitting to avoid reclassification