CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:212
Ted Conlon
Fourstar Group USA, Inc.
189 Main Street
Milford, MA 01757
RE: The tariff classification of a combination phone stand, holder, and charging cable from China
Dear Mr. Conlon:
In your letter dated October 28, 2020, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration is described as a combination cellphone stand, holder, and charging cable. The item consists of a plastic housing and a rigid charging cable with a USB connector at one end and either a USB-C or a Micro-USB connector at the other. The holder is attached via adhesive to the back of a cell phone and the cable is slid within. The rigid nature allows the cable to be manipulated in the holder to function as phone stand. The cable can also be removed from the holder and used to charge or sync the cell phone.
The applicable subheading for the combination cellphone stand, holder, and cable will be 8544.42.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Insulated (including enameled or anodized) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fiber cables, made up of individually sheathed fibers, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors: Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000V: Fitted with connectors: Other: Of a kind used for telecommunications.” The general rate of duty will be free.
Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheadings 8544.42.2000, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.03, in addition to subheading 8544.42.2000, HTSUS, listed above.
The HTSUS is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Note cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. For background information regarding the Section 301 trade remedy, you may refer to the relevant parts of the USTR and CBP websites, which are available at:
https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/tariff-actions https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/301-certain-products-china
Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on the World Wide Web at https://hts.usitc.gov/current.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Luke LePage at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division