TradeLane

In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, reducing landed costs without compromising compliance is more critical than ever. One strategic opportunity for U.S. importers lies in leveraging the First Sale for Export (FSFE) valuation methodology. When correctly applied, FSFE can bring significant duty savings while meeting all regulatory expectations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

In the fast-paced world of automotive manufacturing, every penny counts. For our client, a Canadian importer of metal brackets (classified under HS code 8302.30.90), a seemingly standard 6% import duty was putting a significant dent in their bottom line. However, a closer look revealed a hidden opportunity to leverage the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) end-use provision, leading to substantial duty savings and a significant boost in competitiveness.

On February 18, 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a major government restructuring, consolidating ministries and agencies, eliminating specific National Assembly and Party committees, and dissolving multiple state-run organizations to streamline operations and support economic growth. 

The United States – Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA), known in Canada as Canada – US – Mexico agreement (CUSMA), establishes a framework for duty-free trade among the three nations, provided goods meet specific rules of origin.  Recent developments have underscored the importance of ensuring goods qualify under CUSMA to avoid newly imposed tariffs. 

The automotive industry relies heavily on the global flow of parts and components, making accurate classification within the Harmonized System (HS) critical. This complex system of names and numbers dictates tariffs and facilitates international trade, but its intricacies can be highly challenging for automotive products.

Differences that seem minor in a part description may lead to exponentially different classifications and, as a result, wildly varying duty rates. These differences can have significant financial implications for automotive businesses, impacting everything from production costs to final vehicle pricing.