8 newer rulings cite the same tariff codes.
Classification can shift over time. Review the more recent rulings below before relying on this one.
The tariff classification of a computer keyboard from eitherHong Kong or Taiwan.
Issued March 27, 1991 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Cite this ruling
Copies to clipboard87 872612 (March 27, 1991)
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 8471.92.2000
Headings: 8471
Product description
The merchandise under consideration involves a smart membrane type keyboard that includes seven specific overlays and is compatible with Macintosh, Apple II, IBM, and compatible computers. This keyboard is ideally suitable for people with physical and visual disabilities who need larger keys and less complex keyboards. This smart keyboard plugs directly into the keyboard port of the computer. The keyboard reads a bar code on the back of the specific overlay that is placed on the face of the keyboard and automatically adjusts. The overlays include such selections as Alphabet, Alphabet and Numbers, Arrows, Numbers, QWERTY, etc. Although this keyboard accommodates people with disabilities, it could also be used in schools and businesses. This keyboard requires no external interfaces, and runs any piece of software that can be run from the standard keyboard.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the smart keyboard will be 8471.92.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other input or output units, such as keyboards.
Full text
NY 872612 March 27, 1991 CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:110 872612 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8471.92.2000; 9817.0096 Mr. Ken Hashimoto Expeditors International P.O. Box 2568 578 Eccles Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 RE: The tariff classification of a computer keyboard from either Hong Kong or Taiwan. Dear Mr. Hashimoto: In your letter dated March 11, 1992, on behalf of Unicorn Engineering, Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration involves a smart membrane type keyboard that includes seven specific overlays and is compatible with Macintosh, Apple II, IBM, and compatible computers. This keyboard is ideally suitable for people with physical and visual disabilities who need larger keys and less complex keyboards. This smart keyboard plugs directly into the keyboard port of the computer. The keyboard reads a bar code on the back of the specific overlay that is placed on the face of the keyboard and automatically adjusts. The overlays include such selections as Alphabet, Alphabet and Numbers, Arrows, Numbers, QWERTY, etc. Although this keyboard accommodates people with disabilities, it could also be used in schools and businesses. This keyboard requires no external interfaces, and runs any piece of software that can be run from the standard keyboard. The applicable subheading for the smart keyboard will be 8471.92.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other input or output units, such as keyboards. The rate of duty will be free. This smart keyboard would also appear to be eligible as articles specially designed or adapted for the use or benefit of the blind or other physically or mentally handicapped persons in subheading 9817.0096. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the transaction. Sincerely, Jean F. Maguire Area Director New York Seaport
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The tariff classification of a keyboard from China.
The tariff classification of a keyboard from Korea.
The tariff classification and status under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), of notebook and desktop computers from Canada.
The tariff classification of a "Paladin" computer from Taiwan.
The tariff classification of touch screens and accessoriesfrom Canada.
The tariff classification of a desktop computer chassisassembly from Taiwan.
The tariff classification of an EPLab System from Canada
The tariff classification of a keyboard from Japan
The tariff classification of a keyboard from Japan.
The tariff classification of desk-top and lap-top personalcomputers from Taiwan.
Follow 872612
Get an email if this ruling is revoked or modified, or a newer ruling supersedes it.
One email per day at most. Confirm your address once, unsubscribe anytime.
Searching CBP rulings the smart way
Rulings are precedent. See which ones apply to your product: TariffLens semantically searches all 200,000+ CBP rulings and builds defensible classifications backed by ruling citations.