CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:212
Brennan O'Gorman
Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP
599 Lexington Avenue, Floor 36
New York, NY 10022
RE: The tariff classification and country of origin of electric music interfaces
Dear Ms. O'Gorman:
In your letter dated March 24, 2025, you requested a tariff classification and country of origin determination
ruling on behalf of your client, Universal Audio, Inc.
There are five items at issue with this request that are each described as versions of the Apollo X Series
electric music interface device. The individual model names and numbers are listed below.
Apollo X6, APX6G2-ESS
Apollo X8, APX8G2-ESS
Apollo X8P, APX8PG2-ESS
Apollo X16, APX16G2-ESS
Apollo X16D, APX16DG2-ESS
We note that, based upon the information provided, the function of each device is substantially similar with
the only difference being the number of various inputs and outputs that are incorporated. The subject devices
are constructed of multiple printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) within an enclosure. The PCBAs
incorporate signal processors, field programable gate arrays (FPGA), and a central processing unit (CPU)
among other electrical components. On the front of the device is an LED display readout, various dials and
buttons, as well as stereo input jacks. On the rear of the device are the necessary input and output connections
including microphone and instrument jacks, optical inputs, stereo outputs, Thunderbolt and USB ports, as
well as a power input.
The electric music devices are used within music production installations in order to accept, mix, and convert
the analog signals from various inputs (i.e. musical instruments, microphones). The devices are rack mounted
within the installation and connected through a desktop unit to a computer via the Thunderbolt or USB
connection. This connection allows for expanded functionality of the desktop unit and allows for the user to
manipulate the incoming sounds. The PCBA within the device performs the processing and mixing functions
through the various electrical components.
In your request, you suggest that the correct classification for the subject music interfaces is 8543.70.9100,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We agree.
The applicable subheading for the electrical music interfaces, identified as below, will be 8543.70.9100,
HTSUS, which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or
included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Digital
signal processing apparatus capable of connecting to a wired or wireless network for the mixing of sound.”
The general rate of duty will be free.
Apollo X6, APX6G2-ESS
Apollo X8, APX8G2-ESS
Apollo X8P, APX8PG2-ESS
Apollo X16, APX16G2-ESS
Apollo X16D, APX16DG2-ESS
Effective April 5, 2025, Executive Orders implemented “Reciprocal Tariffs.” All imported merchandise
must be reported with either the Chapter 99 provision under which the reciprocal tariff applies or one of the
Chapter 99 provisions covering exceptions to the reciprocal tariffs. Products of China, including Hong Kong
and Macau, will be assessed an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 125 percent. Products from all other
countries will be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of entry, you must
report the Chapter 99 heading applicable to your product classification, i.e. 9903.01.25, in addition to
subheading 8543.70.9100, HTSUS, listed above.
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 at https://hts.usitc.gov/.
You further request this office to rule on the country of origin of the subject articles. In your request, you
state that the manufacturing process begins with the creation of the main digital PCBA. This board is
comprised of six digital signal processors, an FPGA, and the CPU processor among other electronic
components. Per the information, this PCBA and its components perform the audio routing, mixing and
signal processing that are the main functions of the finished device. In either Vietnam or Malaysia, this board
created through surface mount technology (SMT) that places and solders over 700 components. The finished
board is then loaded with firmware and tested prior to being sent to China for final assembly.
In China, the main digital board is combined with multiple analog boards, of Chinese origin, that facilitate
and control the connections, display, and various knobs and buttons. The finished boards are then assembled
within the enclosure before the finished device is tested and packaged for shipment to the U.S.
When determining the country of origin for purposes of applying current trade remedies under Section 301,
the substantial transformation analysis is applicable. See, e.g., Headquarters Ruling Letter (“HQ”) H301619,
dated November 6, 2018. The test for determining whether a substantial transformation will occur is whether
an article emerges from a process with a new name, character, or use different from that possessed by the
article prior to processing. See Texas Instruments Inc. v. United States, 681 F.2d 778 (C.C.P.A. 1982). This
determination is based on the totality of the evidence. See National Hand Tool Corp. v. United States, 16
C.I.T. 308 (1992), aff’d, 989 F.2d 1201 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Regarding the origin of the subject music interfaces, it is the opinion of this office that the main digital board
imparts the character of the finished device as it is the primary driver of the functionality of the device.
Further, the assembly steps performed in China do not substantially transform the devices into new and
different articles of commerce. Based on the facts presented, the origin of the electric music interfaces listed
below, will be Vietnam or Malaysia, dependent upon the creation of the main digital PCBA.
??????????? Apollo X6, APX6G2-ESS
??????????? Apollo X8, APX8G2-ESS
??????????? Apollo X8P, APX8PG2-ESS
??????????? Apollo X16, APX16G2-ESS
??????????? Apollo X16D, APX16DG2-ESS
The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as
identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the
information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and
complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not
conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.
Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic
verification by CBP.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection
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, please contact
National Import Specialist Luke LePage at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division