A new four-year safeguard measure is now in effect for imports of quartz surface products. Beginning August 15, covered merchandise from non-exempt countries became subject to a tariff-rate quota with first-year additional duties of 25% within quota and 50% after the quarterly quota is filled.
CBP opened the first quota period on August 17. Importers of quartz slabs, countertops, vanity tops, backsplashes, flooring, wall facings, shower surrounds, and other fabricated quartz products should review classification, origin, quota status, and potential antidumping and countervailing duty exposure before entry.
How the Tariff-Rate Quota Works
The Section 201 safeguard applies for four years, with annual increases in the within-quota quantity and gradual reductions in duty rates. During the first year, covered merchandise entered within the available quota generally faces an additional 25% duty. Merchandise entered after the quota is exhausted generally faces an additional 50% duty.
The first quota year is divided into four periods:
- August 15 through November 14, 2026
- November 15, 2026 through February 13, 2027
- February 14 through May 15, 2027
- May 16 through August 14, 2027
CBP warned that if opening-day filings exceed the available quantity, accepted entries may be prorated. Importers should monitor quota fill levels and not assume that merchandise will receive the in-quota rate simply because it arrives early in the quarter.
Covered Merchandise and Excluded Origins
The safeguard covers specified products classified under HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000, subject to the detailed product description in the proclamation and Chapter 99 note.
Imports from Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and several other FTA partners and beneficiary countries are excluded, along with qualifying developing countries that remain below statutory import-share thresholds. Importers must still establish the product’s country of origin. Routing covered merchandise through an excluded country does not create eligibility if origin does not change under the applicable rules.
Additional Duties May Still Apply
The safeguard duty is cumulative. Ordinary Chapter 68 or 70 duties and applicable antidumping or countervailing duties may continue to apply. Merchandise admitted to a U.S. foreign-trade zone on or after August 15 must be admitted in privileged foreign status.
Recommended Importer Actions
- Confirm whether products meet the silica and resin-based scope description.
- Validate HTS classification and country of origin.
- Monitor the applicable quarterly quota and model both in-quota and over-quota costs.
- Review existing AD/CVD case exposure and cash-deposit requirements.
- Coordinate FTZ admissions and entry timing with brokers and logistics providers.
Contact the Alba team to evaluate product scope, quota status, origin, Chapter 99 reporting, and total duty exposure for quartz surface product imports.
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Source: CBP Quota Bulletin 26-601
