Section 232 Inclusion Request - Elba Tool

A measure labeled “232” generally refers to action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Section 232 allows the U.S. government to address imports that are determined to affect U.S. national security. Depending on the official measure, the response may involve an additional duty, a tariff-rate quota, an exemption or exclusion process, or other import conditions. “BIS” refers to the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Commerce Department agency commonly involved in Section 232 investigations and related implementation.

These measures usually affect importers based on the product’s tariff classification, country of origin, and sometimes its material, processing, quantity, or use. The importer must determine the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification and then check whether the measure applies to that classification and shipment. A 232 measure can change the landed cost and may require special reporting, documentation, quota handling, or use of an exclusion. Classification and eligibility questions may require a customs broker or trade attorney’s judgment.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s complete HTSUS classification, including any relevant statistical suffix, with your customs broker or an official ruling source.
• Read the measure’s scope carefully: check product descriptions, covered materials or components, country-of-origin rules, and any exclusions or exceptions.
• Verify the current implementation instructions in official Commerce, BIS, CBP, and HTSUS sources before entry; do not rely only on a third-party summary.
• Check whether the measure requires an additional duty, tariff-rate quota, special entry data, certificates, or other documentation, and confirm the correct entry-line treatment.
• Keep records supporting classification, origin, composition, value, and any exclusion claim in case CBP requests substantiation.