The tariff classification of an audio enhancer from China
Issued May 5, 2016 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 8543.70.9660
Headings: 8543
Product description
The item concerned is referred to as the Boomstick. This item is a small, lightweight, portable electronic device that is used to enhance an audio signal. The unit incorporates one on/off button, an audio input cable with connector and an audio output jack. In use the input side of this item would be connect to an audio source such as an MP3 player. The output side of this device would connected to headphones or ear buds. The Boomstick uses psychoacoustic-based algorithms to enhance an audio signal. Psychoacoustic bass enhancements increase the perception of low end frequency responses, creating a fuller and richer listening experience. High frequency contouring provides definition and clarity in the music, bringing out amazing details and instrumentation not normally heard. Soundfield expansion creates an incredible sense of immersion. You propsed classification of the Boomstick within subheading 8519.81.4050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for sound recording or reproducing apparatus. The Boomstrick does not record or reproduce sound; therefore classification in heading 8519, HTSUS, is not applicable.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the Boomstick will be 8543.70.9660, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electical machines and apparatus…: Other machines and apparatus: Othe: Other: Other: Other.
Full text
N274897 May 5, 2016 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N4:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8543.70.9660 John F. Peterson C. H. Powell Company 20013 S. Rancho Way Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220 RE: The tariff classification of an audio enhancer from China Dear Mr. Peterson: In your letter dated April, 13, 2016 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The item concerned is referred to as the Boomstick. This item is a small, lightweight, portable electronic device that is used to enhance an audio signal. The unit incorporates one on/off button, an audio input cable with connector and an audio output jack. In use the input side of this item would be connect to an audio source such as an MP3 player. The output side of this device would connected to headphones or ear buds. The Boomstick uses psychoacoustic-based algorithms to enhance an audio signal. Psychoacoustic bass enhancements increase the perception of low end frequency responses, creating a fuller and richer listening experience. High frequency contouring provides definition and clarity in the music, bringing out amazing details and instrumentation not normally heard. Soundfield expansion creates an incredible sense of immersion. You propsed classification of the Boomstick within subheading 8519.81.4050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for sound recording or reproducing apparatus. The Boomstrick does not record or reproduce sound; therefore classification in heading 8519, HTSUS, is not applicable. The applicable subheading for the Boomstick will be 8543.70.9660, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electical machines and apparatus…: Other machines and apparatus: Othe: Other: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.6%. 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 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 Steven Pollichino at [email protected]. Sincerely, Deborah C. Marinucci Acting Director National Commodity Specialist Division
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The tariff classification of the “Intego PET Infusion System” and “Intego User Interface Display Module” from Taiwan
The tariff classification of flickering light fixtures with Halloween sound effects from China
The tariff classification of musical string lights from China
The tariff classification of an interface device from China
The tariff classification of a Wi-Fi Router Dock from China
The tariff classification of an Airbag Electric Control Unit from Mexico
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 →