Forced-labor Section 301 — Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of — 12.5% additional duty

A Section 301 measure is a U.S. trade action that can impose an additional duty on specified imported goods connected to a listed country or trade practice. The additional duty is normally applied on top of the product’s regular tariff classification and other applicable charges; it does not replace the product’s HTSUS classification.

For a measure labeled as relating to forced labor and Venezuela, the importer must determine whether the shipment meets the measure’s scope—not assume that every product from Venezuela is covered. Key terms include country of origin, HTSUS subheading, additional duty, and scope. This matters because an incorrect classification, origin determination, or failure to report an applicable additional duty can lead to entry corrections, penalties, delays, or other compliance issues. Forced-labor concerns may also trigger separate admissibility requirements, such as detention or exclusion, so the importer should review those rules independently.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s correct HTSUS classification, including any required statistical suffix, using the official tariff schedule and a customs broker when needed.
• Determine the product’s country of origin under U.S. origin rules; shipping from Venezuela does not by itself establish origin, and processing in another country may or may not change it.
• Read the official Section 301 measure’s scope, exclusions, product descriptions, and reporting instructions to verify whether the specific goods are covered.
• Check the applicable entry and assessment rules in current official CBP and U.S. Trade Representative guidance, including whether an exclusion or special filing provision applies.
• Keep records supporting classification, origin, supply-chain information, and any forced-labor due diligence; seek broker or trade counsel advice if the facts are complex or the goods may be detained.