If your product's HTS code shows a duty rate in the Special column, you may be able to import it at a reduced or zero rate. These special rates come from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other preferential trade programs — and they can save importers significant money.
What Are the Special Duty Rates?
The HTS schedule has three duty columns. The Special column lists reduced rates available under various trade programs, with letter codes in parentheses indicating which program applies. For example, "Free (A,CA,MX)" means the product enters duty-free from eligible countries under those programs.
Key Program Letter Codes
- A / A+ — Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries
- CA — USMCA (formerly NAFTA) for Canada
- MX — USMCA for Mexico
- AU — U.S.–Australia FTA
- BH — U.S.–Bahrain FTA
- CL — U.S.–Chile FTA
- CO — U.S.–Colombia FTA
- D — AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
- IL — U.S.–Israel FTA
- JO — U.S.–Jordan FTA
- KR — U.S.–Korea FTA (KORUS)
- MA — U.S.–Morocco FTA
- OM — U.S.–Oman FTA
- P / PA — U.S.–Panama FTA
- PE — U.S.–Peru FTA
- SG — U.S.–Singapore FTA
How to Claim an FTA Rate
To claim a preferential duty rate, you generally need to:
- Confirm the good originates in the FTA partner country (origin rules vary by agreement)
- Have documentation — a certificate of origin or a written claim by the importer
- Declare the FTA program on your CBP entry using the correct Special Program Indicator (SPI)
The specific rules of origin (what percentage of the product must be made in the partner country) differ by agreement and product. For USMCA, most goods need to meet regional value content rules.
Checking FTA Eligibility on LookupHTS
When you click on any HTS code on LookupHTS, the detail panel shows the Special rate and lists all the eligible FTA countries as country pills. This gives you a quick visual summary of which trade programs apply to that specific product.