N243635 N2 Ruling Active

The tariff classification of Massagers from China

Issued July 17, 2013 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tariff classification

HTS codes: 9019.10.2035

Headings: 9019

Product description

In one letter, the sample is a Neck and Shoulder Massager, MG 115. Your description is: “Item number 931940 is a Neck and Shoulder Massager. This item is a back neck and shoulder massager. This item is designed to wrap around the neck and can be placed over the shoulder. It is both battery powered and comes with AC adapter and works at 4.8 watts. The massager has two setting for intensity of massage, and also has a heat function.” In your other letter, the sample is a Massage Seat Cover, MG 156. Your description is: “Item number 931955 is a Massage seat cover. This item is a back massager that is designed to fit on top of a chair/seat. It is designed to sit upon and rested against for the purpose of massaging the back, with three points of massaging. The massager has a heat function vibrating massage with two settings. The massager runs at 12 watts and 12 volts and has an AC adapter included.” In both cases, it is quite unlikely that they would be used other than during the specific time when the user sought the massage or the massage/heat effects. The seat cover clearly cannot be used as seating by itself, but only as a cover for another seat/chair. The AC Adaptor is noted in large print on the retail package for both. New York Ruling Letter A85934, dated July 30, 1996, classified a similar vibrating neck massager in 9019.10.20, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). New York Ruling Letter A88398, dated October 18, 1996, classified a similar vibrating/heating massaging seat cushions in 9019.10.20, HTSUS.

CBP rationale

The applicable subheading for the MG 115 and 156 will be, 9019.10.2035, HTSUS, which provides for Massage apparatus powered by an AC adapter.

Full text

N243635 July 17, 2013 CLA-2-90:OT:RR:NC:4:405 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9019.10.2035 Ms. Jeanette Arciero Barthco International, Division of OHL One CVS Drive Woonsocket, RI 02895 RE: The tariff classification of Massagers from China Dear Ms. Arciero: In your two letters dated June 26, 2013, you requested a tariff classification ruling. One sample, in its retail packaging, was provided with each letter. In one letter, the sample is a Neck and Shoulder Massager, MG 115. Your description is: “Item number 931940 is a Neck and Shoulder Massager. This item is a back neck and shoulder massager. This item is designed to wrap around the neck and can be placed over the shoulder. It is both battery powered and comes with AC adapter and works at 4.8 watts. The massager has two setting for intensity of massage, and also has a heat function.” In your other letter, the sample is a Massage Seat Cover, MG 156. Your description is: “Item number 931955 is a Massage seat cover. This item is a back massager that is designed to fit on top of a chair/seat. It is designed to sit upon and rested against for the purpose of massaging the back, with three points of massaging. The massager has a heat function vibrating massage with two settings. The massager runs at 12 watts and 12 volts and has an AC adapter included.” In both cases, it is quite unlikely that they would be used other than during the specific time when the user sought the massage or the massage/heat effects. The seat cover clearly cannot be used as seating by itself, but only as a cover for another seat/chair. The AC Adaptor is noted in large print on the retail package for both. New York Ruling Letter A85934, dated July 30, 1996, classified a similar vibrating neck massager in 9019.10.20, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). New York Ruling Letter A88398, dated October 18, 1996, classified a similar vibrating/heating massaging seat cushions in 9019.10.20, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for the MG 115 and 156 will be, 9019.10.2035, HTSUS, which provides for Massage apparatus powered by an AC adapter. The rate of duty will be Free 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 World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 J. Sheridan at (646) 733-3012. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division

View original on CBP CROSS →

Ruling history

More rulings on the same tariff codes

N242310 June 18, 2013

The tariff classification of a slim belly massage kit from China

N004453 January 12, 2007

The tariff classification of an Inflatable Spa from China

K83567 March 16, 2004

The tariff classification of Circulation Booties PP# 273302 from China

J87320 July 28, 2003

The tariff classification of a Facial Spa Model # FAC-100 from China

J84636 May 30, 2003

The tariff classification of a Bath Jet Spa #BJS6000 from China

I81545 May 20, 2002

The tariff classification of Precision Massager from China

H83163 July 18, 2001

The tariff classification of Foot Spas from China

E85115 August 19, 1999

The tariff classification of a Massage Pad from Hong Kong Dear Mr. Milne:In your letter, dated July 29, 1999, you requested a tariff classification ruling.Model #HPM-970 is a 13" x 13" massaging pad. It contains 2 electric motors located at both ends of the pad to create an even massage within the unit. There are two heat settings to customize your treatment for a gentle or energetic massage. The heating element is located only on one side of the pad. Included with the pad is a 12 Volt DC adapter, sponge, and textile cover. Your literature gives approximately the same space and emphasis to the massage and heating features. We estimate that the massage and heating components are roughly equivalent in cost and in importance to the average purchaser. The massage classification appears later in the HTS, noting Explanatory Note 3(c) to the General Rules of Interpretation.The applicable subheading for this item will be 9019.10.2035, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HT

Searching CBP rulings the smart way

TariffLens semantically searches all 200,000+ CBP rulings, surfaces the ones that actually match your product, and builds defensible classifications backed by ruling citations.

Book a demo →