By Len Fleisig
CBP Confirms Reciprocal Tariffs Will Be Stacked on Existing General Duty Rates
Importers have inquired whether reciprocal duty rates will be stacked on top of the current general duty rates. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a clarification today, April 8, 2025, via its Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS), addressing this issue. Refer to CSMS Message #64680374 for the full guidance.
CBP confirmed that reciprocal duty rates will indeed be stacked on top of the existing general duty rates, rather than replacing them. The official statement from the CSMS message is clear: “The additional rates of duty established by reciprocal tariffs are in addition to any other duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges that apply to imported articles.”
Goods on the Water Before April 9 Subject to Generic 10% Reciprocal Tariff, CBP Announces
Additionally, the CSMS message specified that goods on the water after 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 5, 2025, but before 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 9, 2025, will be subject to the generic 10% reciprocal tariff, rather than the higher country-specific rates that will take effect on April 9. These goods must be entered by May 27, 2025.
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Trade: The New Tariff Paradigm
Want an orientation on tariff hikes and their impact on the business community? Leonard Fleisig and Michael Collett deliver a packed hour of content including:
▪️ Executive Authority to Take Unilateral Action
▪️ Current State of Play
▪️ Potential Savings Mechanisms