If only people had access to spreadsheet software and affordable desktop computers, they could easily do these calculations.

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general1726 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

You know that you can't do it on your own, but you need to have certification for that?

> U.S. customs is demanding a Certificate of Analysis (which could cost thousands of dollars and to determine what exact amount of Aluminum, Copper and Steel are in the product), otherwise they assume the entire PCB consists of copper, aluminum, and steel, and charge a 100% tariff on the whole product.

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chrisco255 2 days ago | parent [-]

You can self certify unless it's a highly regulated import like pharma, food, or medical equipment.

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crote 2 days ago | parent [-]

Self-certification generally doesn't mean simply saying "trust us, we won't lie to you". They still expect you to be able to hand over a bunch of laboratory reports proving that you have actually tested your stuff.

The main difference is that with self-certification they will accept reports from your own in-house laboratory, rather than demanding reports from an independent pre-vetted testing lab.

Same with paperwork: you can make your own rather than having it made by an independent auditor - but you better still be able to back it up!

	▲	dgfitz 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		This seems… quite reasonable.

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thisisit 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

That is not how this works. No one can say - we used spreadsheet software and investigated ourselves and we estimate we use x mg of copper. Governments ask for something like a metal spectrometer analysis of components. They might even say each batch needs to be analysed and we trust analysis from spectrometers manufactured and/or operated in US. Each condition raising the price for certificate/analysis even more.

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chrisco255 2 days ago | parent [-]

The details are here: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summ...

And

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/...

And you use the ACE system to set everything up and report origins of melting, etc and it computes the fees for you:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated

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crote 2 days ago | parent [-]

From your first link:

> Does CBP require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at the time of entry? > > At this time, CBP does not require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at the time of entry. CBP, however, >>> can <<< request the importer to provide an aluminum certificate of analysis if CBP needs one to ensure compliance with the entry requirements pertinent to the item being imported.

In other words: they usually trust people to file their paperwork correctly, but reserve the right to demand lab reports when they suspected foul play. Filing lab paperwork in advance is not needed, however.

As mentioned in Olimex's blog post: US customs is now starting to ask everyone for a Certificate of Analysis. Paperwork isn't enough anymore, even when it is an obviously harmless product which has been imported many times in the past without any issues. If you can't hand over a lab report, it's not getting in.

	▲	chrisco255 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		And you can still self certify. Just follow the instructions on ACE.