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China Tariff Exclusions Extended for 81 COVID-Related Goods

Exclusions from the Section 301 tariffs on imports from China for 81 medical care products needed to address the COVID-19
pandemic have been extended from Nov. 30 through Feb. 28, 2023. These exclusions are available for any product that meets
the specified HTSUS numbers and product descriptions, regardless of whether the importer filed an exclusion request.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative states that it may consider further extensions and/or additional modifications in the
future. In the meantime, USTR is accepting comments through Jan. 17 as part of a review of all Section 301 tariffs on imports
from China

USTR Extension Notice can be found here: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/COVID%20extensions%20FRN.pdf
List of 81 medical care products can be found here: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/301Investigations/
Extensions%20to%20COVID-19%20Exclusions%20-%20FRN%2011-8-21.pdF

Port of Houston

Update for the Port of Houston import dwell fees

Here’s an update on import dwell fees for the Port of Houston. The port will be applying two dwell fees from December 1, 2022, to address the longstanding container situation at the Houston Terminal.

Please keep in mind that these fees are in addition to any applicable demurrage charges for import containers on terminal (ref. Tariff No. 15 > Subrule 095, Tariff No. 14 > Subrule 093) and will be assessed to the beneficial cargo owner.

In the next paragraphs, you will see a description of the dwell fees:

  • Sustained Import Dwell Fee
    The fee of USD 45 per container will be assessed, on all import containers on the terminal, effective on the eighth day, after the expiration of the terminal free time.  
  • Excessive Import Dwell Fee
    To promote the flow of containers out of the terminal, the Port of Houston will institute a charge for all containers that remain on the terminal for an extended period. The Port of Houston has informed that the fee will remain in place for a minimum of sixty days after the effective date, in which import containers exiting the port will be monitored closely. The Excessive Import Dwell Fee applies to all loaded import containers on site on the effective date and thereafter.

    The below charges would apply after the expiration of the Free Time period:
  • 1-3 days after expiration of Free Time: USD 50 per container per day
  • 4-7 days after expiration of Free Time: USD 75 per container per day
  • 8-13 days after expiration of Free Time: USD 100 per container per day
  • 14 days thereafter expiration of Free Time: USD 150 per unit per day

Please keep in mind that containers will remain on hold at the terminal until the payment has been executed. You can complete the charges’ payment online via Lynx with a credit card or guarantee. If you should have questions concerning this topic, please get in touch with the Port of Houston team.