Tariffs Today: Section 232 Tariff Could be Expanded to More Auto Parts

The International Trade Administration has announced that it will accept requests to add more imported automobile parts to the scope of the Section 232 tariff on such goods from April 1 through April 14. The ITA has previously said it will open such two-week windows in January, April, July, and October.

Requests must include the following information.

– clear identification of the requestor

– precise description of the article at issue

– the eight- or ten-digit HTSUS classification requested to be included

– an explanation of why the article is an auto parts article

– pertinent information on the affected domestic industry

– statistics on imports and domestic production

– a description of how and to what extent imports have increased in a manner that threatens to impair national security or otherwise undermine Section 232 auto tariff objectives

Following the close of the submission window, accepted requests will be posted on regulations.gov and open for public comment for 14 days.

The ITA has said it will make its final determination within 60 days of receiving the request and a Federal Register notice will then be issued announcing any modifications to the list of auto parts subject to the Section 232 tariff. However, the ITA has yet to announce any such modifications following its first comment period this year in January.