Back in February, Trump raised the Section 232 tariff on aluminum from 10% to 25% and expanded its scope. The Section 232 tariff on steel remained at 25%, but additional steel derivatives were added to the list of targeted products.

On Friday, March 7, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took the next step; they issued two significant CSMS messages related to the administration and enforcement of these aluminum and steel tariffs.

Both announcements—CSMS #64348288 (aluminum) and CSMS #64348411 (steel)—are alerting importers to be prepared to pay the 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel products (classified in Chapters 72, 73, and 76) starting at 12:01 am EST on March 12, 2025.

It is important to note that, as of now, the Commerce Department has not yet published the necessary Federal Register notice that is required to implement tariffs on steel and aluminum derivative products classified outside of Chapters 72, 73, and 76.

While the tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives outside of Chapters 72, 73, and 76 will not take effect until the Commerce Department publishes the Federal Register notice, CBP has provided insight into what will be required from importers for these derivative products once the tariffs are implemented. Please refer to the above CSMS messages for further details.

Please Also Note Closely:

• The 25% tariff on derivative products, which applies only to aluminum or steel content, will not take effect on March 12, 2025.

• Importers with numerous affected part numbers will need to work closely with suppliers to gather the value and weight (in kilograms) of aluminum and steel in their derivative products that do not fall under Chapters 72, 73, or 76.

• Importers must also report certain country of origin information—and declare where the aluminum was smelt and cast or, in the cast of steel, where the steel was melted and poured.

• Importers of aluminum and steel products should coordinate with legal counsel, customs brokers, and consultants to ensure compliance with these new tariff classifications. Be sure to review the new 9903 classifications that are included in the CSMS messages and ensure the correct reporting of both the aluminum and steel content in affected products.

CBP communicated that it expects full compliance from the trade community regarding accurate reporting and payment of the additional duties. Enforcement actions will be taken for non-compliance.

Shapiro will continue to monitor the situation and provide status updates as they become available.