Good info Jerry.
I have an incomplete 35 page document of HTS numbers that are relevant to import and export of bicycles, parts and accessories.
In general, if it's a bike part, most freight forwarders and customs clerks will classify it as 10% bicycle parts.
There are plenty of reduced and free of duty items. I insist that my suppliers put the proper duty on the commercial invoice. If the HTS number is in all documentation it's very easy to point out a mistake if the clerk enters the wrong number.
The actual duty charges assessed and collected by The State is quite small- only 10% of the cost of the part or bike at most. The rest of the costs are assessed by the licensed freight broker (*not* US Customs) fees- forklift fee, liftgate fee, Bunker Adjustment Fee, bond serivce fee, terrorism offset insurance charge, etc etc ad infinitum. Those fees are generally non negotiable and not subject to refund.
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Tom Martin
General Manager
VO Imports
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Annapolis MD 21401
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