WASHINGTON -- Importers within a week should know the deadline for making
changes in their data systems to reflect changes in the U.S. Harmonized
Tariff Schedule.

President Bush is expected to sign a proclamation Thursday or Friday
formally announcing the changes, followed in a few days by a Federal
Register notice, according to Washington trade attorney Robert Pisani.

Once the new schedule appears in the Federal Register, importers will have
30 days to replace old tariff numbers, although Customs and Border
Protection announced last week that it will provide an additional 15-day
grace period.

The changes in the tariff system, the first since 2002, are no surprise to
the trade community, but Pisani said importers have been anxious to know
when the new system will take effect.

"They want to make sure they have the right number for the right product,"
Pisani said. If they make an entry with the old tariff number, Customs may
reject the entry, which would slow down the importer's supply chain.