Forced-labor Section 301 — Qatar — 12.5% additional duty

A Section 301 measure is a U.S. trade action that can impose an additional duty on covered merchandise from a specified country. In this example, the measure is associated with Qatar and forced-labor concerns. The measure’s listing and official product scope—not the title alone—determine whether the additional duty applies.

It typically affects U.S. importers of merchandise that meets the stated country-of-origin and product requirements. The additional duty is separate from the ordinary tariff under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), and may be added to other applicable customs charges. Importers should verify the measure’s HTSUS classification, product description, origin rules, exclusions, and entry instructions. Forced-labor compliance may also require supply-chain records and careful review beyond tariff classification.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s correct HTSUS classification using its materials, construction, function, and relevant classification rules.
• Verify the legally relevant country of origin; do not rely only on the shipping country or the location of the seller.
• Read the official Section 301 product scope, exclusions, notes, and measure type to determine whether the merchandise is covered.
• Check the current Customs and Border Protection entry instructions for the required reporting or additional-duty treatment.
• Keep invoices, bills of materials, supplier statements, production records, and supply-chain due-diligence evidence; seek customs-broker or trade counsel advice when classification, origin, or forced-labor issues are uncertain.