On July 31, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in CSMS # 65794272 guidance on the application of the 50 % Section 232 ad valorem duty on all imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products imposed by Proclamation on July 30, 2025.
Effective Date:
For all goods entered for consumption as of August 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Duty Application:
- HTSUS 9903.78.01: 50% duty on copper content
- HTSUS 9903.78.02: 0% duty on non-copper content or goods with no copper.
Entry Filing Instructions:
- Copper-only products: Report full value under 9903.78.01 on one entry summary line.
- Mixed-material products:
- Line 1: Non-copper content – HTSUS 9903.78.02 (0% duty).
- Line 2: Copper content – HTSUS 9903.78.01 (50% duty).
- Use the same HTSUS and country of origin for both lines.
- Provide the copper content’s value and quantity (in kg).
- Non-content value may be subject to other import duties in effect.
Valuation: If the copper value is unknown, the full value of the goods must be declared. Importers should maintain documentation to substantiate the copper valuation.
Exemptions:
- Auto parts: Copper duties do not apply if the product is already subject to Section 232 auto tariffs.
- IEEPA reciprocal tariff exception (HTSUS 9903.01.33) may apply.
Other:
- If insufficient documentation is available to support the copper content value, CBP will assess duties based on the entire value of the product.
- All other applicable duties apply including IEEPA tariffs and anti-dumping and countervailing duties, as applicable.
- Drawback is not permitted under this proclamation.
- Foreign Trade Zones: Goods must be admitted under privileged foreign status.
For further details, importers should consult the full CBP CSMS #65794272 notice or contact their customs broker.
Resources:
The CSMS # 65794272 message and the Proclamation now both list the Annex 1 Copper HTS list and annex information.