CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:212
Lori Green
Black Box Corporation
1000 Park Drive
Lawrence, PA 15055
RE: The tariff classification of bulk ethernet cable from South Korea
Dear Ms. Green:
In your letter dated October 3, 2025, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise at issue with this request is identified by part number EYN850A-PB-1000 and further
described as the GigaBase CAT5e 350 MHz Solid Ethernet Bulk Cable. The subject cable is constructed of
four twisted pairs of insulated copper wires and is not fitted with connectors at either end. Based upon the
information provided, the cable is rated at 300V and is imported on reels at lengths of 1,000 feet. In use, the
subject cable is installed in various building installations to transfer data in network applications.
In your request, you suggest that the correct classification for the subject cable should be 8544.49.1000,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We disagree.
The suggested classification covers those cables, imported without connectors, that are for a voltage not
exceeding 80V and are used in telecommunications. Though the cables do not have connectors and are used
in telecommunications, the documentation provided states that the cables are rated at 300V. It is CBP’s
position, as defined and held by established precedence, that the maximum voltage rating is the determining
factor when voltage is noted within the tariff. In H014776, it is noted that the “phrase “for a voltage not
exceeding 80V” requires that electric conductors classified under the provisions of subheading 8544.49,
HTSUS, must be rated at a maximum current load of 80V.” As that is not the case with the subject cable, we
find the suggested subheading to be inapplicable.
The applicable subheading for the GigaBase CAT5e 350 MHz Solid Ethernet Bulk Cable, part number
EYN850A-PB-1000, will be 8544.49.3080, 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 electrical conductors, for a voltage not exceeding
1,000V: Other: Other: Of copper: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 5.3% ad valorem.
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. At this time, products of South Korea
will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 15 percent. At the time of entry, you must report
the Chapter 99 heading applicable to your product classification, i.e. 9903.02.56, in addition to subheading
8544.49.3080, HTSUS, listed above.
The tariffs and additional duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. 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/.
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,
(for)
Evan Conceicao
Designated Official Performing the Duties of the Division Director
National Commodity Specialist Division