HS Code:
General Note 15 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) pertains to products that are entered pursuant to specific provisions or programs outlined in the tariff schedule, often involving special trade agreements, temporary tariff concessions, or other unique classifications not covered under standard categories. This category typically includes goods subject to special treatment under bilateral or multilateral agreements, emergency measures, or other governmental policies. It does not correspond to a specific HS code but rather serves as a reference to provisions affecting the classification and duty treatment of various products.
Total Trade Volume
Not applicable (N/A) - Data varies based on specific provisions and products covered under General Note 15.
Data from 2023
Source
World Trade Organization (WTO), United States International Trade Commission (USITC), and national customs data
Variable (dependent on specific provisions)
N/A of total trade
Stable
Variable (dependent on specific provisions)
N/A of total trade
Stable
Variable (dependent on specific provisions)
N/A of total trade
Stable
Variable (dependent on specific provisions)
N/A of total trade
Stable
Variable (dependent on specific provisions)
N/A of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
Variable - Depends on specific provisions and agreements cited in General Note 15 (often includes duty-free or reduced rates under trade agreements).
Highest Rate
Variable - Standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates may apply if provisions are not met.
Lowest Rate
0% (duty-free under specific trade programs or agreements).
Increasing use of special provisions under trade agreements
Facilitates trade by reducing tariffs for eligible goods, boosting bilateral trade volumes.
2021-2023
Stricter enforcement of rules of origin
Ensures compliance with trade agreements but may increase administrative burdens for exporters.
2022-2023
Expansion of temporary tariff concessions
Supports industries facing supply chain disruptions by lowering costs of imported goods.
2020-2023
Updates to General Note 15 provisions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to clarify rules of origin and eligibility for preferential treatment.
January 2023
Streamlines trade processes for qualifying goods among member countries, potentially increasing trade volume.
Several countries referenced General Note 15 to implement temporary duty suspensions on critical medical supplies and equipment in response to global health challenges.
March 2022
Reduces costs for essential imports, supporting healthcare sectors globally.
The World Trade Organization reviewed the application of special provisions like General Note 15 to ensure compliance with global trade rules.
July 2023
May lead to harmonization of policies, affecting how countries apply such provisions in the future.