What happened:
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has extended Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain China-origin goods. Exclusions that were due to end on August 31, 2025 will now remain in effect through November 29, 2025.
What’s covered:
- 178 exclusions total (164 product-specific + 14 manufacturing-equipment)
- Claims must be filed under HTSUS Chapter 99 subchapter III using 9903.88.69 or 9903.88.70 in addition to the base HTS code
- Products must match the exact descriptions in the Federal Register annexes
Why it matters:
- Cost relief: Importers of eligible products continue to avoid Section 301 duties
- Planning certainty: Businesses get more time to manage pricing and supply chains
- Future changes: USTR may extend or modify exclusions again after November
Key dates:
- Effective window: September 1, 2025 – November 29, 2025
- Applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse within this period
How to claim the exclusion
- Classify your product at the 10-digit HTSUS
- Verify eligibility in the annex descriptions
- Add 9903.88.69 or 9903.88.70 (as specified) before the ordinary HTS line on entry
- Keep documentation to support eligibility
- File within the valid window (Sep 1 – Nov 29, 2025)
External links
- Federal Register Notice (with annexes):
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/02/2025-16733/notice-of-product-exclusion-extensions-chinas-acts-policies-and-practices-related-to-technology - USTR official PDF (extension text):
https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/2025/FRN%20to%20Extend%20Exclusions%20to%20Nov%202025%20-%20Final%2008272025.pdf - USITC HTS Browser (Chapter 99 search):
https://hts.usitc.gov/search?query=9903.88
Plain-English example
If your product normally falls under 8501.10.60xx and matches an annex description, you’d add 9903.88.69 (or .70, depending on the annex) on your entry. This cancels the extra Section 301 duty for that shipment. Regular duties and fees still apply.
Quick FAQ
How many exclusions are extended?
178 total.
Which Chapter 99 do I use?
Either 9903.88.69 or 9903.88.70, depending on the annex listing.
Can I claim refunds for shipments outside this window?
No, the extension is prospective only.
📌 Bottom line: Importers of eligible China-origin products can still benefit from tariff exclusions until November 29, 2025—but should monitor USTR updates for any changes.
