Section 301 exclusions

Definition

Section 301 exclusions are temporary product-specific carve-outs from the Section 301 China tariffs, granted by USTR through an application process. An importer (or trade association) requests exclusion for a specific product, demonstrating that the product cannot reasonably be sourced outside China, that the tariff is causing severe economic harm, and that the exclusion is consistent with the underlying Section 301 action. Active exclusions are codified in HTSUS Heading 9903.88.x sub-headings and are republished in the Federal Register on extension. The most recent extension in 2025 keeps a slate of exclusions active through November 2026. Importers claiming an exclusion must use the specific 9903 exclusion sub-heading at entry.