New US Pharmaceutical Tariffs Expand to More Global Importers

US importers of certain patented pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical ingredients are facing a new tariff deadline, with additional Section 232 duties expanding to companies not covered by the first phase of the programme.

The latest measures take effect on 29 September 2026, following the introduction of tariffs for a first group of pharmaceutical companies on 31 July. Under the April 2026 presidential proclamation, certain patented pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients can be subject to an additional 100% ad valorem duty, although different rates and exemptions apply in specific circumstances.

The new requirements make 29 September an important date for importers with products that may fall within the scope of the Section 232 measures.

What products are affected?

The tariffs apply to certain patented pharmaceutical products and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials covered by the relevant HTSUS classifications.

The measures do not currently apply to generic pharmaceuticals and their associated ingredients.

The tariff treatment can also vary depending on the product's origin and whether the importing company has an approved onshoring agreement or qualifies for another provision under the proclamation.

For example, CBP has issued separate guidance implementing reduced treatment for certain products from specific jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.

Why classification matters

For importers, determining whether a product is affected is not simply a matter of identifying it as a pharmaceutical.

CBP has established specific Chapter 99 HTSUS classifications for the new Section 232 duties, alongside the existing product classifications. Importers are required to report the applicable classifications when filing entries.

That means businesses may need to assess:

• The product's HTSUS classification
• Whether it is patented or generic
• The product's country of origin
• Whether an additional Section 232 duty applies
• Whether a reduced rate or exemption is available
• The applicable effective date
• The correct Chapter 99 reporting requirement

A 100% tariff can significantly change landed costs

For affected products subject to the full additional duty, the impact on import costs can be substantial.

A business that previously calculated its landed cost based on the standard tariff treatment may need to reassess those calculations once the additional Section 232 duty becomes applicable.

For high-value pharmaceutical products, even a relatively small classification or eligibility error can have significant financial consequences.

The rules also include different treatment for certain jurisdictions and companies with approved onshoring arrangements, making product-level analysis particularly important.

The deadline highlights a wider compliance challenge

The pharmaceutical measures are another example of how US import requirements can vary based on product, classification, origin, company and timing.

For global businesses, keeping track of these factors across a large product catalogue can become difficult to manage manually.

A tariff change can also require businesses to revisit existing product data, customs calculations and import documentation rather than simply updating one number in a spreadsheet.

How Gloco can help

Gloco is designed to help global sellers identify and manage product-level compliance requirements.

Businesses can provide a product link and use Gloco's AI-powered platform to identify potential tariff, licensing and IP considerations.

Gloco also supports customs duty calculations and documentation, helping businesses assess the potential import requirements associated with their products.

And because tariff requirements can change over time, Gloco provides ongoing monitoring and alerts for compliance risks and deadlines.

The latest pharmaceutical tariff changes demonstrate why global sellers need to look beyond a standard tariff lookup.

When product classification, origin, exemptions and effective dates can all affect the final duty, keeping compliance information accurate and up to date becomes an essential part of importing into the US.