In some cases, the 50% duty on all foreign repairs made to American flag merchant vessels may be remitted. Which work does NOT come under the remitting policy of U.S. Customs?
• U.S. Customs 50% duty on foreign repairs to U.S.-flag vessels • Difference between true repairs vs. routine maintenance/ship’s work done by foreign labor • When Customs may remit (waive) duty for casualty or heavy weather damage proven by documentation
• Ask yourself: Which option looks more like routine maintenance that the owner chooses to have done overseas, rather than casualty repair that might qualify for remission? • Think about what Customs is trying to discourage: is it intentional use of cheaper foreign yards for normal work, or emergency repairs needed to keep the ship safe and seaworthy? • Look at each choice and decide if it is linked to unexpected damage (like heavy weather or collision) or if it is normal upkeep you could have planned to do in the U.S.
• Identify which options are clearly casualty-related repairs (e.g., heavy weather or accident damage). • Identify which option is general maintenance or cosmetic/routine upkeep rather than damage repair. • Check which type of work U.S. Customs is least likely to treat as an unavoidable emergency repair and therefore least likely to remit duty on.
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