Official Luthiers Forum!

Just confirming that Indian Ebony and Rosewood fingerboards are still coming in under the old harmonize code for "finished" goods.

India is exporting under a 9209 musical instrument supplies tariff code as prescribed in many rulings issued from Indian government officials. As a result of a US Custom's ruling, importers of fingerboards must use a 4407 sawn wood >6mm tariff code. USDA and the DOJ have allowed this discrepancy in tariff codes in writing until and unless they change their minds, at which time they will give notice to importers. India does not wish to allow other exports of 6mm + material that is not worked as this would then allow tons of material to easily move to China, seriously depleting Indian woods. David's B's assessment is accurate. This was not an action generated by any one politician. I do believe (again as David mentioned) that raid #1 was whistle blowing and #2 was exerting pressure on Gibson - which of course, impacted all other importers.

Natalie - Luthiers Mercantile Int.

Code this, code that. Natalie, I'll let you handle all this regulatory crap and just buy from you guys.

A sincere thanks to David B. and Natalie for sharing with us and all of your hard work associated with obtaining an understanding of this stuff!!!

Many thanks!!!!