Section 232 UK Pharma Tariff Drops to 0%: HSU 2619 and What to Do

Section 232 pharmaceutical tariff on UK imports reduced to 0%

CBP published Harmonized System Update (HSU) 2619 on August 1, 2026, covering 6 harmonized tariff records and 25 ABI records. The most significant change for pharmaceutical importers is the Section 232 duty reduction on United Kingdom-origin pharmaceutical goods classified under HTS 9903.04.63, which drops from 10% to 0%. The underlying authority is Federal Register Notice 2026-15799.

If you are importing UK-origin pharmaceuticals that carry this special tariff number, the rate change is already live in ACE as of the HSU creation date. Entries filed on or after August 1, 2026 should reflect the 0% rate. Any entries filed at 10% after that date may be subject to a duty overpayment that could be recovered through a post-summary correction or protest.

FDA PGA flag updates also included in HSU 2619

HSU 2619 additionally changes the FDA tariff flag for at least two HTS numbers. Specifically, the flag code "FD4" has been changed to "FD3" for:

• HTS 2103.20.4020 (sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments)

Brokers and filers transmitting ABI entries for these HTS numbers must update their tariff tables to use the correct FDA message set flag. Submitting a stale "FD4" flag may trigger a CBP or FDA hold or an ABI reject, delaying cargo release.

Quartz surface products adjustment action also published

Separately, the Federal Register published a document on August 5, 2026 titled "To Facilitate Positive Adjustment to Competition From Imports of Quartz Surface Products." Importers and trade attorneys sourcing quartz surface products should monitor this proceeding closely, as Section 201-style adjustment actions can result in new or modified tariff-rate quota structures or additional duties.

What importers should do

• Update your ABI tariff tables immediately to reflect the 0% Section 232 rate under HTS 9903.04.63 for UK-origin pharmaceutical entries filed on or after August 1, 2026.
• Review entries filed between the effective date and your system update to identify any overpayments at the prior 10% rate, and consider filing a post-summary correction or protest to recover excess duties.
• Confirm that FDA PGA flag "FD3" is correctly mapped for HTS 2103.20.4020 and any other affected HTS numbers listed in HSU 2619 to avoid entry rejections or cargo holds.
• If you import or distribute quartz surface products, track the Federal Register quartz adjustment proceeding (FR 2026-15975) for any forthcoming quota or duty changes.