Recent CBP NY Rulings
The following are short summaries of recent CBP NY rulings issued by the agency's National Commodity Specialist Division in New York:
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N350731: The tariff classification of blood glucose monitoring systems from various countries
| HTS: 9027.89.4530, 9903.01.25, 9817.00.96, free, “Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters, refractometers, spectrometers, gas or smoke analysis apparatus); instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or the like; instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking quantities of heat, sound or light (including exposure meters); microtomes; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments and apparatus: Other: Other: Electrical: Chemical analysis instruments and apparatus.” |
| Item: Five blood glucose monitoring systems designed for use in long-term care and multi-patient settings. They are produced in the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. |
| Reason: The essential character of the glucose meters when imported with the manual and carrying case is imparted by the glucose meter. The glucose meters are specifically designed for use by the handicapped for secondary classification purposes. Therefore, they satisfy the description set forth in Chapter 98, Subchapter XVII, U.S. Note 4(a) and qualify for secondary classification 9817.00.96, HTSUS. |
| Ruling Date: July 11, 2025 |
N350732: The tariff classification of a blood glucose monitoring system from South Korea
| HTS: 9027.89.4530, 9903.01.25; 9817.00.96, free, “Instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters, refractometers, spectrometers, gas or smoke analysis apparatus); instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or the like; instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking quantities of heat, sound or light (including exposure meters); microtomes; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments and apparatus: Other: Other: Electrical: Chemical analysis instruments and apparatus.” |
| Item: The first item under consideration is the ReliOn Premier Classic Meter, which is a blood glucose monitoring system designed for individuals managing diabetes. In operation, the meter utilizes test strips which are inserted into the meter. A small blood sample is applied to the test strip. The meter then uses a chemical reaction on the test strip to determine the glucose concentration in the blood sample before displaying on the screen. It’s a portable tool for daily glucose monitoring, and also includes features like an English/Spanish user manual, quick reference guide, logbook, and carrying case. The second item under consideration is the ReliOn Premier BLU Basic Meter, which is a blood glucose monitoring system that uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect to a smartphone app, allowing users to track their blood sugar levels and manage their diabetes more effectively. It provides the results on the screen within 5 seconds using a small 0.5 microliter blood sample and process similar to the first item. The system includes the meter, carrying case, and owner’s guide. |
| Reason: The essential character of the glucose meters when imported with the manual and carrying case is imparted by the glucose meter. The glucose meters are specifically designed for use by the handicapped for secondary classification purposes. Therefore, they satisfy the description set forth in Chapter 98, Subchapter XVII, U.S. Note 4(a) and qualify for secondary classification 9817.00.96, HTSUS. |
| Ruling Date: July 11, 2025 |
N350868: The country of origin of patch cord assemblies
| Origin: U.S. |
| Item: Five models of a fiber optic patch cord assembly, which are fiber optic cables that consist of a fiber optic core, consisting of 12 or 16 optical fibers depending on the model number. The fibers are enclosed within a jacket and are terminated with a single connector at one end and fanned out to various optical connectors at the other. The manufacturing process for all 5 parts is substantially similar and begins with the creation of the optical fiber in the United States. This process begins with the melting and stretching of the glass raw material into a glass bar. This bar is then ground and cleaned before it is further stretched and drawn into the appropriate length and diameter for the individual optical fiber. This fiber is then coated with polymer and tested for strength and function before it is exported to China. In China, the fiber core is cut to length prior to being colored and jacketed. The ends are then fanned out and prepared for the addition of the connectors, which are sourced from China. The connectors are then assembled onto the ends, and the finished cable is tested and packaged for shipment to the U.S. |
| Reason: The fiber cores manufactured in the United States impart the character of the finished cables. Further, the assembly process performed in China, including the addition of the covering and connectors, does not substantially transform the cores into new and different articles of commerce. |
| Ruling Date: July 11, 2025 |
N350869: The country of origin of patch cord assemblies
| Origin: U.S. |
| Items: Five models of a fiber optic patch cord assembly, which are further described as fiber optic cables that consist of a fiber optic core, consisting of 2, 8, 12, 48 or 64 optical fibers depending on the model number. The fibers are enclosed within a jacket and are terminated with a single connector at one end and fanned out to various optical connectors at the other. The manufacturing process for all 5 parts is substantially similar and begins with the creation of the optical fiber in the United States. This process begins with the melting and stretching of the glass raw material into a glass bar. This bar is then ground and cleaned before it is further stretched and drawn into the appropriate length and diameter for the individual optical fiber. This fiber is then coated with polymer and tested for strength and function before it is exported to China. In China, the fiber core is cut to length prior to being colored and jacketed. The ends are then fanned out and prepared for the addition of the connectors, which are sourced from China. The connectors are then assembled onto the ends, and the finished cable is tested and packaged for shipment to the U.S. |
| Reason: The fiber cores manufactured in the United States impart the character of the finished cables. Further, the assembly process performed in China, including the addition of the covering and connectors, does not substantially transform the cores into new and different articles of commerce. |
| Ruling Date: July 11, 2025 |
N350929: The tariff classification of freezers from Austria
| HTS: 8418.30.0000, 9903.01.25, free + 10%, “Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps, other than the air conditioning machines of heading 8415; parts thereof: Freezers of the chest type, not exceeding 800 liters capacity.” |
| Item: The freezers, which are intended to be used in convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, and bars, store ice cream and frozen meals at low temperatures. They feature castors, a tempered glass top, and adjustable shelves that are 13 inches in depth. The capacity of the freezers does not exceed 500 cubic liters. |
| Reason: N/A |
| Ruling Date: July 11, 2025 |
N350011: The country of origin of a basic trainer aircraft
| Origin: China |
| Item: The merchandise under consideration is identified as a 1967 CJ6A Nanchang aircraft, which is an aircraft that was formerly used by the Chinese Air Force as a basic trainer. The aircraft is not equipped with any weapons, bombs, or similar types of armaments. The basic trainer aircraft is powered by a single engine with a two-bladed propeller and the two dihedral wings are fixed to the fuselage with a bubble canopy that encloses the cockpit where two pilots can sit in a tandem configuration. The aircraft also features a retractable tricycle landing gear where it has a wheel by the nose and two main wheels under the wings. The aircraft is for personal use only. The aircraft was initially imported into Canada from China in 1993. Once imported into Canada, the aircraft arrived in a disassembled state. Then, a Transport Canada approved aircraft maintenance organization was hired to perform reassembly and conduct necessary restoration work to return the aircraft to an airworthy state. |
| Reason: The various work performed on the aircraft in Canada only improved the condition and ensured compliance with operational safety standards. As a result, no substantial transformation occurs in Canada. Therefore, the country of origin of the 1967 CJ6A Nanchang aircraft is China. |
| Ruling Date: July 10, 2025 |
N350046: The tariff classification, country of origin, and marking of a tool set
| HTS: 8466.10.0175, 9903.01.25, 3.9% + 10%, “Parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of headings 8456 to 8465…; tool holders for any type of tool for working in the hand: Tool holders and self-opening dieheads: Other.” |
| Origin: Vietnam |
| Item: The item under consideration is described as a tool set comprising 51 items imported together inside of a plastic molded case. The tool set will be imported within external packaging and ready for retail sale. The contents of the set include: 1 - Adjustable wrench (China) 1 - Pair of long nose pliers (China) 1 - Claw hammer (China) 14 - Nut driver bits (China) 30 - Bits (China) 1 - Magnetic bit driver (Vietnam) 1 - Utility knife (China) 1 - Tape measure (China) 1 - Level (China) |
| Reason: The magnetic bit driver, functioning as a tool holder, imparts the essential character of the tool set because it is used with a large quantity of nut driver bits and other bits. Without the magnetic bit driver, the utility of the included bits would be significantly impeded and thus the overall functionality of the tool set would be irreparably encumbered. The magnetic bit driver of Vietnamese origin imparts the essential character of the 51-piece tool set and thus controls the classification and country of origin of the entire set. Accordingly, the country of origin is Vietnam. |
| Ruling Date: July 10, 2025 |
N350152: The country of origin of spinal and epidural needles
| Origin: Japan |
| Item: A spinal needle and epidural needle used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to provide regional anesthesia. Each needle consists of a stainless-steel shaft with a bevel, a stainless-steel stylet, a plastic cannula hub, a plastic stylet hub, and a needle protector. The manufacturing process consists of: 1. Production in Japan: Stainless-steel hollow tubes are cut to length and sharpened to form the cannula. Some cannulas are etched with depth markings to indicate insertion depth. A silicone coating is applied to the cannula surface. The blunt end of the cannula is sand-blasted to enhance adhesion to the plastic hub. The stylet is manufactured from solid stainless-steel wire using a similar process. All of the above processes, including the sourcing of raw materials for the cannula and stylet, are performed in Japan. 2. Assembly in China: The Japanese-origin cannula and stylet are exported to China. Plastic hubs, sourced from either China or Japan, are affixed to the cannula and stylet using adhesive glue of Japanese origin. A needle protector, molded in China using Japanese raw materials, is assembled onto the cannula. The completed needles are packaged in units of 100, placed in plastic bags, and then boxed in cardboard cartons. Both the plastic bags and cardboard boxes are sourced in China. |
| Reason: The assembly operation occurring in China is a minor process. The Japanese cannulas and stylets do not substantially transform into new articles of commerce. They retain their own identity having the same name, character, and use after the assembly. Accordingly, the country of origin for the spinal and epidural needles is Japan. |
| Ruling Date: July 10, 2025 |
N350155: The tariff classification of a tote bag from China and two additional bags from Hong Kong
| HTS: (style 1) 4202.92.3131, 9903.88.03, 9903.01.24; 9903.01.25, 17.6% + 25% + 20% + 10%, “travel, sports, and similar bags, with outer surface of textile material, other, other, of man-made fibers.” (style 2) 4202.92.1500, 9903.01.24; 9903.01.25, 6.3% + 20% + 10%, “travel, sports, and similar bags, with outer surface of textile materials, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted construction, of cotton.” (style 3) 4202.22.4500, 9903.01.24; 9903.01.25, 6.3% + 20% + 10%, “handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle, with outer surface of textile materials, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted construction, of cotton.” |
| Item: Style 1 is a tote bag constructed of 82% rayon, 18% silk textile material. It is designed and sized to provide storage, protection, portability, and organization to personal effects during travel. It features one adjustable shoulder strap, a drawstring, and one interior pocket. Its country of origin is China. Style 2 is a handbag constructed of 100% cotton textile material. It is designed and sized to contain the small personal effects normally carried on a daily basis. It features one shoulder strap and a top opening. Its country of origin is Hong Kong. Style 3 is a tote bag constructed of 100% cotton textile material. It is designed and sized to provide storage, protection, portability, and organization to personal effects during travel. Its country of origin is Hong Kong. |
| Reason: N/A |
| Ruling Date: July 10, 2025 |
N350324: The country of origin of a stabilizer link assembly
| Origin: Thailand |
| Item: A Stabilizer Link Assembly, which is a component of an automotive suspension system. The stabilizer link assembly consists of ball studs, a dust cover, bearing, protect cover, cover plate, nuts, and link housing, which is a rod with two eyelets. The stud blank from steel forging and a steel bar for the link housing are sourced from China and imported into Thailand for further processing. In Thailand, the stud blank undergoes machining, such as rough turning and finish turning of the ball head, shank, and undercut. Further, the stud is heat treated, degreased, water washed, pickled, water washed again, acidic activator treated, trivalent chromium plated, water washed again, passivated, water washed again, dried, and inspected. The steel bar for the link housing is machined by rough turning and fine turning of the two eyelets and link rod and welding the two housings and link rod together. After that, the link housing is E-coated by degreasing, water washing, hydrochloric acid, water washing again, rust prevention, and electrophoresis. Finally, the finished ball stud and link housing are combined together in Thailand with the rest of the components, which are all produced in China and imported to Thailand, by inserting and installing into each other to create the finished stabilizer link assembly. |
| Reason: The main components of the stabilizer link, which are the ball stud and the link housing, are substantially transformed into new and different articles as a result of manufacturing processes in Thailand. The finished ball stud and link housing are then combined in Thailand with the rest of the Chinese-origin components through operations that are not sufficiently complex in order to create the finished stabilizer link assembly. Because the ball stud and link housing, which have been substantially transformed in Thailand, impart the identity of the finished stabilizer link assembly, the country of origin of the Stabilizer Link Assembly will be Thailand for marking purposes. |
| Ruling Date: July 10, 2025 |