Section 232 auto parts tariff inclusion process opens January 2026
Date of publication: December 17, 2025
The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) has announced the opening of the January 2026 submission window for the Section 232 automobile parts tariff inclusion process. This notice is relevant for companies and trade compliance professionals dealing with automotive imports into the United States.
Key dates
Submission window
- Opens: January 1, 2026
- Closes: 11:59 p.m. ET on January 14, 2026
- Submissions must be emailed to: AutoInclusions@trade.gov
Background
On March 26, 2025, President issued Proclamation 10908, which imposed duties on imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The proclamation also mandated the Secretary of Commerce to establish a process for including additional automobile parts within the scope of these duties.
The inclusion process
An interim final rule published on September 17, 2025 (90 FR 44767) established the formal process for expanding the scope of covered automobile parts. The process features:
- Recurring submission windows:Two-week periods in January, April, July, and October each year
- Public comment period:Following each submission window, accepted inclusion requests are posted on Regulations.gov (Docket ID ITA-2025-0039) for a two-week public comment period.
The ITA stated it will make its final determination within 60 days of receiving the request and a Federal Register notice (FRN) will then be issued announcing any modifications to the list of auto parts subject to the Section 232 tariff.
Important considerations for submitters
Before submitting an inclusion request, parties should:
- Verify the part is not already covered:Ensure the automobile part is not already within the scope of duties imposed by Proclamation 10908
- Avoid duplicate submissions:Do not resubmit previously submitted inclusion requests unless new pertinent information is available for consideration.
- Check pending decisions:If a decision on a previously submitted request is still pending, do not submit additional requests for the same parts.
Requests must include the following information:
- Provide a clear identification of the requestor.
- Offer a detailed description of the article in question.
- Specify the eight- or ten-digit HTSUS classification to be included.
- Present a rationale explaining why the item qualifies as an auto parts article.
- Supply relevant information regarding the affected domestic industry.
- Include comprehensive statistics on imports and domestic production.
- Describe how, and to what extent, import levels have risen in such a way that may threaten national security or potentially undermine the objectives of Section 232 auto tariffs.
Implications for trade compliance
This notice signals the continuation of the U.S. government's expansion of Section 232 tariffs to additional automotive components. Trade compliance professionals should:
- Monitor which parts are being proposed for inclusion.
- Assess potential impacts on supply chains and import costs.
- Prepare documentation if seeking to include specific parts within the tariff scope.
- Track the quarterly submission windows for strategic planning purposes.
This represents the first quarterly inclusion window of 2026 under the established Section 232 automobile parts tariff framework. Subsequent windows will open in April, July, and October 2026.
For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you in managing supply chain risk and regulatory compliance as we move into 2026, contact your Account Manager or Client Success Manager.