Presidential Proclamation 10128 announced an agreement reached between the U.S. and the European Union (EU) which reduces Most Favored Nations (MFN) duty rates over a three-year period for certain imported prepared meals, certain crystal glassware, surface preparations, propellant powders, cigarette lighters and lighter parts, with the first reductions retro-active to August 1, 2020.
The products covered under the agreement by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number are as follows:
| HTS | MFN Duty Rate | ||
| 7/31/2020 and prior | 8/1/2020 to 7/31/2021 | 8/1/2021 to 7/31/2022 | |
| 1604.20.0510 | 10.00% | 7.00% | 5.00% |
| 1604.20.0590 | 10.00% | 7.00% | 5.00% |
| 3214.90.5000 | 6.50% | 3.50% | 3.25% |
| 3601.00.0000 | 6.50% | 3.50% | 3.25% |
| 7013.41.5000 | 6.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| 9613.10.0000 | 8.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% |
| 9613.90.8000 | 8.00% | 5.00% | 4.00% |
In return, the EU agreed to reduce duties on imports of U.S origin live and frozen lobster products. It was first announced in a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) press release back in August 2020.
We note that these U.S. duty reductions are not restricted to only EU origin products, but to any of these products entered at the MFN duty rate.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advised the duty reductions are retroactive to August 1, 2020, and that a Post Summary Correction (PSC) or protest may be filed to request a refund.
If you have any questions regarding reduced MFN duties on certain imports due to the U.S- EU Agreement, please contact your Livingston account manager.