On March 20, the USTR issued a notice seeking public comment on whether further modifications to remove China 301 duties from certain medical-care products are necessary. This notice was issued in furtherance to the USTR’s efforts in addressing the current COVID-19 outbreak and prioritizing health considerations. A copy of the USTR notice is available here.
This is an opportunity to obtain additional consideration on any previously submitted requests for relief because comments may concern any product, regardless of whether the product is subject to a pending or denied exclusion request.
Comments should address how the affected medical-care product is needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak (i.e. whether it used directly to treat COVID-19 or to limit the outbreak, and/or whether the product is used in the production of medical-care products). Additionally, comments must include a precise description of the affected product, its 10-digit HTSUS code and the product’s identity in terms of functionality and physical characteristics.
Comments are recommended to be submitted as promptly as possible as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The docket is already open and will remain open until June 25, 2020 and may be extended as appropriate. Responses to comments should be submitted within three business days.
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USTR Requests Comments to Consider Additional China 301 Exclusions Amidst Coronavirus Crisis