USTR determined that China’s acts, policies, and practices related to targeting the semiconductor industry for dominance are actionable under Section 301.

A Section 301 measure is a US trade action taken under Section 301 of the Trade Act after the US Trade Representative (USTR) investigates practices considered unfair or harmful to US commerce. A measure described as targeting China’s semiconductor industry dominance may impose additional duties or other restrictions on specified products connected with that sector.

It typically affects imports from China that fall within listed Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications, rather than every semiconductor-related product automatically. The importer must determine the product’s tariff classification, country of origin, and whether the measure’s product description and any applicable exclusions cover the shipment. These actions can affect landed cost, entry filing, sourcing decisions, and compliance responsibilities in addition to ordinary customs duties.

What to check

• Confirm the product’s correct HTSUS classification using its technical specifications, function, materials, and manufacturing process; request customs-broker or ruling advice when classification is uncertain.
• Check the official Section 301 measure, annexes, and current USTR or CBP guidance to see whether the exact HTSUS number or product description is covered.
• Verify country of origin separately from country of shipment, because Section 301 treatment generally depends on the applicable origin rules and the goods’ substantive manufacturing history.
• Check whether an exclusion, product-specific exception, or other scope condition applies, and retain documentation supporting the conclusion.
• Review entry instructions with your customs broker, including any required additional duty reporting, and monitor official updates before each shipment.