Section 232 Inclusion Request - Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. 1

A Section 232 measure is a US trade action based on a finding that imports of a product may threaten US national security. It commonly applies to specified goods identified by their Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification, and may impose an additional duty or another import requirement. The measure’s attachment or annex typically lists the covered tariff provisions and any product descriptions or exclusions.

These measures can affect importers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers when their goods fall within the listed scope. The key professional terms are “scope” (which products are covered), “HTSUS classification” (the tariff number assigned to the merchandise), “additional duty” (a charge added to the ordinary tariff treatment), and “country of origin” (where the product is considered made for customs purposes). An importer should not rely on the product name alone: classification, material, processing, origin, entry documentation, and any stated exclusions may determine whether the measure applies.

What to check

• Check the official measure and its attachment for the exact HTSUS provisions, product descriptions, exclusions, and any special instructions; do not assume a similar product is treated the same way.
• Verify the product’s HTSUS classification using its actual composition, form, function, and manufacturing details. Ask a customs broker or classification specialist when the tariff heading is uncertain.
• Confirm the product’s country of origin under US customs rules and review whether the measure contains origin-specific treatment, exemptions, quotas, or alternative procedures.
• Review how the measure is reported on the entry, including any required additional tariff number, entry data, documentation, or valuation information.
• Keep technical specifications, bills of materials, production records, origin documents, and classification support so the importer can substantiate why the measure does or does not apply.