Quick Overview
The United States has introduced a four-year Section 201 safeguard tariff-rate quota on certain quartz surface products, effective August 15, 2026. For covered imports from countries subject to the measure, the first-year duty is 25% within the quota and 50% above the quota. Indian quartz exporters should therefore review their HTS classification, country of origin, quota position, and total landed cost before shipping to the USA.
Key Facts about US Quartz Tariff at a Glance:
- The safeguard took effect on August 15, 2026.
- It covers three HTSUS subheadings: 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.
- The Year 1 in-quota duty is 25%.
- The Year 1 above-quota duty is 50%.
- The Year 1 quota is approximately 13 million square meters.
- The safeguard runs for four years, with duty rates declining annually.
- Existing applicable duties, including AD/CVD and other charges, can continue to apply.
What Changed for Quartz Surface Products?
The US International Trade Commission determined in April 2026 that increased imports of quartz surface products were a substantial cause of serious injury to the US domestic industry.
Following the ITC investigation and recommendations, the White House established a Section 201 safeguard measure in the form of a tariff-rate quota.
The measure applies for four years. It uses two duty levels:
- A lower rate for imports entered within the available quota.
- A higher rate once the quota is exceeded.
This means exporters cannot simply apply one tariff rate to every shipment. Quota availability now becomes part of the landed-cost calculation.
Which Quartz Products Are Covered?
The proclamation identifies three HTSUS classifications for covered quartz surface products:
| HTSUS Code | Covered Product |
| 6810.99.0020 | Certain quartz surface products |
| 6810.99.0040 | Certain quartz surface products |
| 7020.00.6000 | Certain quartz surface products |
Exporters should verify the exact tariff classification of their product before relying on these codes. The HTSUS remains the authoritative source for classification and duty treatment. The latest 2026 HTS revision implementing the quartz measure was published on August 14, 2026.
What Are the New Quartz Tariff Rates?
The first year of the safeguard runs from August 15, 2026, through August 14, 2027.
During Year 1, covered imports subject to the safeguard face:
- 25% additional duty within the quota
- 50% additional duty above the quota
The rates decline during the following three years.
| Safeguard Year | In-Quota Duty | Above-Quota Duty |
| Year 1 | 25% | 50% |
| Year 2 | 23% | 49% |
| Year 3 | 21% | 48% |
| Year 4 | 19% | 47% |
The quota quantity also increases each year.
How Does the Quartz Import Quota Work?
The Year 1 quota is approximately 13.0 million square meters, divided into four quarterly allocations of around 3.25 million square meters each.
For Indian exporters, shipment timing matters. Entering the U.S. while quota is available could result in a lower duty than entering after the quarterly quota is exhausted, directly affecting landed cost.
Does the New Tariff Apply to Indian Quartz Exports?
A developing country may remain excluded if its share is 3% or less, provided countries below that threshold collectively account for no more than 9% of imports. Indian exporters should not assume an exemption based solely on developing-country status and should verify the applicable HTSUS treatment.
The measure excludes countries such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, Colombia, South Korea, Israel, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and CAFTA-DR countries, along with certain developing countries meeting specific import-share thresholds.
Do Existing Duties Still Apply?
Yes. The Section 201 safeguard does not automatically replace other applicable duties. Existing antidumping duties, countervailing duties, standard customs duties, and other trade measures may continue to apply to covered products.
The USITC's quartz safeguard report also documents existing additional tariff exposure affecting different countries, including India. Therefore, exporters should calculate the total applicable duty stack rather than treating the new 25% or 50% safeguard rate as the entire import cost.
What Does This Mean for Indian Quartz Exporters?
The commercial impact goes beyond the tariff percentage.
Indian exporters selling quartz surface products into the USA should now review:
- Product classification
- Country of origin
- Applicable HTSUS subheading
- Quota availability
- Shipment entry date
- Existing AD/CVD exposure
- Other applicable duties
- US inland transportation
- Final landed cost
For example, quoting a US buyer based on a 25% safeguard rate without checking quota availability could create a significant margin problem if the shipment ultimately enters above quota.
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Conclusion
The new US quartz safeguard creates a 25% within-quota and 50% above-quota duty structure for Year 1, with the measure scheduled to run for four years. For Indian exporters, the key issue is no longer simply the tariff rate; HTS classification, quota availability, entry timing, and the existing duty stack can all affect landed cost.
When did the new US quartz tariff take effect?
The Section 201 safeguard became effective for covered goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, from 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 15, 2026.
What is the US quartz tariff for Indian exporters?
For covered imports subject to the safeguard, the Year 1 rate is 25% within the quota and 50% above the quota. Other applicable duties may also apply.
Which HTS codes are covered?
The proclamation covers HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.
How long will the quartz safeguard last?
The safeguard is scheduled to operate for four years, with the in-quota and above-quota duty rates declining each year.
Does the 50% rate apply to every quartz shipment?
No. The first-year 50% rate applies to covered imports exceeding the applicable quota. Covered imports within the available quota face the 25% first-year rate.
Does the new safeguard replace AD/CVD duties?
No. Other applicable duties and charges can continue to apply. Exporters should calculate the complete duty exposure for their specific product and origin.
