10.08.2026 Regulation #USA #Import #Duties #Codes & nomenclature
BIS proposes to extend Section 232 to 14 more product groups
The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a notice in the Federal Register on August 6, 2026 requesting public comments on a proposal to extend Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum and copper to 14 additional categories of derivative articles (document 2026-15961). Comments are due through regulations.gov, docket BIS-2026-0331, by August 27, 2026.
Which products are covered
The list spans a wide range of goods, from industrial components to consumer items:
- aluminum powder (7603.10);
- brass-wind musical instruments and their parts (9205.10);
- welding machine parts (8515.90);
- floor safes (8303.00);
- electric conductor cables (8544.49);
- fire extinguishers (8424.10);
- heat exchanger parts (8419.90);
- hydraulic engine and motor parts (8412.90);
- mobile lifting frames and self-propelled cranes (8426.12, 8426.41);
- tanker trailers and semi-trailers (8716.31);
- self-loading or self-unloading agricultural trailers (8716.20);
- other trailers and semi-trailers (8716.40);
- filled steel containers holding propane, oxygen or propylene.
A notable case is filled steel containers. The proposed rate for this category is the highest on the list, but it applies not to the full value of the goods, only to the value of the metal container itself; the contents (the gas) are excluded from the duty.
Rates and the legal basis
Most categories — including tanker trailers (8716.31) and other trailers (8716.40) — would be subject to the standard 25% rate under clause 3 of Proclamation 11021 (document 2026-15961). Mobile lifting frames and self-propelled cranes (8426.12, 8426.41) instead follow separate rates set under clauses 2–3 of Proclamation 11032. Self-loading or self-unloading agricultural trailers (8716.20) form a distinct category with a 15% rate (clause 5), while filled steel containers carry a 50% rate (clause 2). The proceeding is based on Proclamation 11021 of April 2, 2026, along with earlier Proclamations 9704, 9705, 10962 and 11032 that govern steel and aluminum tariffs (document 2026-15961).
What importers should do before the deadline
The proposal affects importers and manufacturers that use the listed components and finished goods — from metal fabricators and musical instrument makers to suppliers of heavy equipment and filled gas cylinders.
BIS is requesting comments on five points: the aluminum, steel and copper content of the product; import volumes the agency considers a threat to national security; domestic production capacity to meet demand; the economic effects of including the product in the list; and any other relevant factors. Companies importing goods on this list should gather this data and submit comments through docket BIS-2026-0331 by August 27, 2026 (document 2026-15961) — after the comment period closes, the next step will be a decision on which codes are formally added to the tariff scope.
Primary sources
- BIS: Request for Public Comments on the Proposed Implementation of Duties on Additional Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Derivative Articles (Federal Register, 2026-15961)
- KPMG TaxNewsFlash: US BIS seeks comments on Section 232 tariffs on additional derivative articles
Mentioned codes
8515.90 8544.49 8419.90 8412.90
This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.