Tariff exclusion applications allowed for some companies

Companies in China can apply for exclusion from additional tariffs on some US imports during a certain period, and the Chinese government supports companies importing goods from the United States based on "commercial considerations", the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said on Tuesday.

The commission will accept applications from companies in China starting March 2, and review applications "one by one" before the tariff exclusion. Companies which can get approval should meet certain standards and purchase products from the US based on "market-oriented and commercial principles", according to a statement on the commission's website.

The tariff exclusion is for the additional levies China imposed on US imports as countermeasures against Section 301, it said. On a list posted on the website, the commission named 696 products that can have the tariff exclusion.

"Within one year from the date of approval, the approved amount of imports shall not impose any tariff against the US Section 301; excess beyond the approved amount shall not be excluded and needs to bear the additional tariff," it said. "No refund will be made for tariffs already levied before the approval."