March 25,2026. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding the reporting requirements for derivative aluminum, as outlined in the CBP FAQ section: Additional Section 232 Questions.
Background: On March 2, 2023, Presidential Proclamation 10522 was issued, imposing a 200 percent duty on aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles from Russia. This action was taken to address national security concerns related to aluminum imports. Subsequently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided updated guidance through CSMS #64384496.
Smelt and Cast Reporting Requirements: To report the primary country of smelt, secondary country of smelt, or country of most recent cast importers must report the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) code on aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles on all countries subject to section 232.
How to report the country of smelt and cast when the product is subject to Section 232 derivatives measures, but the importer does not know the country of smelt and cast: For derivative aluminum, the importer, as an interim solution, may report “RU” for Russia if the importer does not know the country of smelt or cast; and pay the 200 percent Russia aluminum duty pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10522 (88 FR 13267, March 2, 2023). Also see CSMS # 64384496.
Importers may submit a post-summary correction to update the country of smelt or cast when they obtain information on the actual countr(ies) of smelt or cast. For a long-term solution, CBP is looking into other options for reporting an unknown country of smelt or cast, which will also require paying the 200 percent Russia aluminum duty. CBP will provide guidance through CSMS when more information is available. Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Frequently Asked Questions | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Does CBP require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at time of entry: At this time, CBP does not require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at the time of entry. CBP, however, can request the importer to provide an aluminum certificate of analysis if CBP needs one to ensure compliance with the entry requirements pertinent to the item being imported.
CBP reminds the importing community that it is the responsibility of the importer to exercise reasonable care when making entry and accurately declare all requisite information to ensure the proper classification of the imported merchandise for duty assessment. The party making entry must certify that such declared classification is consistent with the information and documentation that is provided with the entry and entry summary, which must be true and correct to the best of the importer’s knowledge and belief. CBP is actively exploring other options for reporting an unknown country of smelt or cast, which will also require paying the 200 percent.
How to provide the country of smelt and pour to Buckland:
- Clearly indicate the required information on the commercial invoice and include an aluminum certificate of analysis (if available) with the shipment documents.
- Extract a copy of your US Parts Database from Buckland Client Portal www.buckland.com & provide the country of smelt and cast for all derivative aluminum. Ensure “RU” is reported if the importer does not know the country of smelt or cast; understanding the applicability of 200 percent duty.
- Importers may use our entry details report from Buckland’s Client Portal to identify entries with duty and provide the country or Smelt and Cast for all derivatives aluminum. If Buckland receives the aluminum Smelt and Cast within 72 hours of release (excluding weekends), we will make every effort to update the entry before the payment of duties. Any Country of Smelt and Cast information provided after 72 hours of release will be handled through the post-entry recovery process.
- Please send all updates to your US Parts Database to usparts@buckland.com.
Failure to provide the country of smelt and cast countries will result in “RU” being reported and the applicability of 200 percent tariff.
Please note, derivatives also require reporting of the value and weight (KG) of the aluminum content. This information will need to be provided to Buckland to report on the entry.
For questions regarding this notice please contact your Buckland Account Manager or Buckland’s client service teams at 888-806-1156.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and your continued cooperation.
*The information provided herein represents our current position on the subject matter. However, it is the responsibility of the importers to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This information should not be relied upon as legal advice or as a substitute for professional consultation. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.