U.S. Imports - No Surprises, No Delays
What’s Changing with Tariffs
New tariffs on transceivers and fiber cables from China, effective February 4, 2025, have added complexity to importing networking hardware into the U.S. To help you navigate these complexities, FLEXOPTIX provides this overview of the latest tariff changes and their impact on imports.
Network Hardware: Import Fees at a Glance
- Transceivers (HTS 85176200): Subject to a 7.5% tariff under HTS 9903.88.15 for products from China, plus an additional 20% under HTS 9903.01.20 for products from China and Hong Kong, resulting in a total tariff of 27.5%.
- Fiber Cables (HTS 85447000): 25% tariff under HTS subheading 9903.88.15 for products originating from China, plus an additional 20% under HTS 9903.01.20 for products from China and Hong Kong, resulting in a total tariff of 45%.
How Tariffs Affect Your Business
Tariffs on transceivers and fiber cables increase costs and complicate logistics. Extra compliance paperwork can slow down shipments, and unpaid duties may lead to customs holds, delaying deliveries further.
- Increased Costs: Customs duties add to your total hardware spend.
- Delivery Delays: Extra documentation can slow down shipments.
- Customs Holds: Without pre-paid duties, you must settle fees before release.
FLEXOPTIX Simplifies the Process
Tariffs don’t have to slow you down. FLEXOPTIX streamlines the process by shipping with Incoterm DDP, covering customs duties and fees upfront - so you don’t have to. Our S2 items are strategically sourced from countries with favorable trade agreements, reducing or eliminating tariffs on imports. S1 items, while subject to tariffs of 27.5% or 45%, may at times offer better lead times, making them a viable option when availability is critical. And regardless of origin, FLEXOPTIX handles all duties and documentation, ensuring smooth customs clearance. Our transparent pricing in the web shop highlights potential savings, including any applicable surcharges or duties, before you buy.
You get your networking gear faster, with no hidden costs or unexpected delays.
- Incoterm DDP: We handle customs duties and merchandise processing upfront for a seamless experience. No disruptions—even with S1 items.
- Tariff-Optimized Origin: Our S2 items are sourced strategically from countries that help reduce or eliminate certain tariffs
- Complete Documentation: We provide all import paperwork, saving time and effort.
- Transparent Savings: Our web shop highlights potential cost reductions at checkout.
By partnering with FLEXOPTIX, you eliminate import hassles and keep your networks running smoothly. Learn more in our online store or reach out for expert guidance.
Stay Informed: Key Trade Policy Resources
- Section 301 of the Trade Act (1974):
Authorizes tariffs on specific imports.
https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations - HTS Subheading 9903.88.15:
Introduced under Section 301, effective September 1, 2019, imposing a 7.5% tariff on transceivers and 25% on fiber cables originating from China.
https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=9903.88.15 - HTS Subheading 9903.01.20:
Added via executive order, effective February 4, 2025, imposing an extra 10% tariff on products from China and Hong Kong
https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=9903.01.20 - Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup:
Search official tariff classifications and duty rates.
https://hts.usitc.gov - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Import Guidelines:
Official CBP trade policies and tariff compliance
https://www.cbp.gov/trade - Federal Register – Official Trade Notices:
Track tariff changes, exclusions, and updates.
https://www.federalregister.gov - The White House – Presidential Actions:
effective March 4, 2025, imposing an extra 10% tariff (now 20%) on products from China and Hong Kong
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/further-amendment-to-duties-addressing-the-synthetic-opioid-supply-chain-in-the-peoples-republic-of-china/