HSU 2618 contains HTS updates for Section 232 duties on imports of patented pharmaceutical articles and ingredients.

This Section 232 measure reflects updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for certain patented pharmaceutical articles and ingredients. Section 232 is a U.S. trade-law authority used to address imports that are determined to affect national security. An HTS update may change how covered goods are identified or how an additional duty is reported; it does not necessarily apply to every pharmaceutical product.

It typically affects importers, manufacturers, distributors, and customs brokers handling the specifically described pharmaceutical products or ingredients. The key terms to learn are tariff classification (the HTSUS number assigned to the product), scope (the legal description of goods covered), and additional duty (a duty imposed on top of the ordinary customs duty). Importers should verify both the product’s classification and whether its technical characteristics, patent status, origin, and entry circumstances fall within the measure’s scope.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s complete HTSUS classification using its ingredients, formulation, packaging, and intended use; do not rely only on a supplier’s code.
• Read the measure’s scope and any implementing HTSUS notes to determine whether the product is a covered patented article or ingredient.
• Verify the product’s country of origin and any applicable exclusions, exemptions, quota treatment, or reporting instructions.
• Ask your customs broker to review the entry data, including any required Chapter 99 or other special tariff provisions associated with the measure.
• Keep product specifications, patent-related documentation, origin records, and classification support; seek a binding ruling or professional customs advice when the scope is unclear.