Section 232 Inclusion Request - Maxcess International 4

A measure labeled “232” generally refers to action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This authority allows the United States to address imports that are determined to affect national security. The Department of Commerce, including the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), may investigate or administer related measures, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) typically collects any applicable import charges.

These measures usually apply to specified products identified by Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications, and sometimes depend on the product’s country of origin, entry conditions, or whether it is a derivative product. An importer may therefore face an additional duty or another import requirement even when the ordinary tariff classification appears correct. The measure title or identifier alone is not enough to determine coverage; the importer must compare the merchandise, HTSUS provisions, origin, and any listed exceptions or exclusions with the official instructions.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s complete HTSUS classification, including any statistical suffix, with the applicable Section 232 instructions and CBP guidance.
• Verify the product’s country of origin and whether the measure distinguishes origin, substantial transformation, or special entry circumstances.
• Check whether the product is a covered derivative article, or whether an exclusion, quota, exemption, or other special treatment applies.
• Review entry-filing requirements, additional duty indicators, and required documentation with your customs broker or trade-compliance specialist.
• Keep product specifications, bills of materials, origin records, and exclusion documentation that support the classification and treatment claimed.