Opinion ID: 3066473
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The value provided for under subsection

Text: (f) of this section, if the value referred to in subparagraph (E) cannot be determined. Id. § 1401a(a) (emphases added). 03-1347 3 As indicated, the preferred source of Customs' valuation of imported merchandise is the transaction value of the merchandise itself. Id. § 1401a(a)(1)(A). The transaction value is the price actually paid or payable for the merchandise when sold for exportation in the United States, plus certain amounts. Id. § 1401a(b)(1). In the event that the transaction value of the imported merchandise cannot be calculated, the merchandise should next be appraised based on the transaction value of identical or similar merchandise. See id. §§ 1401a(a)(1)(B) & (C). This transaction value must be calculated from imported merchandise that is (A) with respect to the merchandise being appraised, either identical merchandise or similar merchandise, as the case may be; and (B) exported to the United States at or about the time that the merchandise being appraised is exported to the United States. Id. § 1401a(c)(1). The next preferred appraisal value, if identical or similar merchandise is not available, is deductive value. Id. § 1401a(a)(1)(D). Deductive value is equal to the resale price in the United States, less certain commissions, costs, and duties. Id. § 1401a(d)(3)(A). If deductive value, too, is unavailable, Customs may turn to computed value, id. § 1401a(a)(1)(E), which reflects the sum of production and material costs of the imported merchandise, plus profits and general expenses from sales of merchandise of the same class or kind as the imported merchandise, id. § 1401a(e)(1). In the event that none of the valuation methods described in section 1401a(a)(1)(A)-(E) can be used, Customs may resort to section 1401a(f), id. § 1401a(a)(1)(F), which permits appraisal based on a value that is derived from the methods set forth in . . . subsections [(b) through (e)], with such methods being reasonably adjusted to the extent necessary to arrive at a value, id. § 1401a(f)(1). 03-1347 4