The tariff classification of USB adapters and an electrical connector from China

N298749 July 26, 2018 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:220 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8517.62.0050; 8536.69.8000 Patricia Rodriguez Hosiden America Corporation 120 East State Parkway Schaumburg, IL 60173 RE: The tariff classification of USB adapters and an electrical connector from China Dear Ms. Rodriguez: In your letter dated July 6, 2018 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The first item under consideration is identified as the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1796 which is described as a plastic enclosure containing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), two electrical sockets on the back, a single USB socket on the front, and an auxiliary jack on the front. The intended purpose of this assembly is to be mounted in the console of a motor vehicle to provide a USB type power outlet and data interface to the vehicle’s head unit for personal electronics such as a smart phone or tablet. The second item is identified as the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1852 which is described as a plastic enclosure containing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), two electrical sockets on the back, two USB sockets on the front, and an auxiliary jack on the front. The intended purpose of this assembly is to be mounted in the console of a motor vehicle to provide a USB type power outlet and data interface to the vehicle’s head unit for personal electronics such as a smart phone or tablet. The third item under consideration is identified as the 120V AC Outlet PN TCX-1775 which consists of a plastic enclosure that has a three prong socket on the front and an electrical socket on the back. The electrical connection is a straight pass-through where the voltage is not altered in any way. The intended purpose of this assembly is to be mounted in the console of a motor vehicle to provide a three-prong socket format to charge electrical devices. In your request you suggest the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1852 and the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1796 are correctly classified as power supplies for telecommunications apparatus in 8504.40.8500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We disagree. The AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1852 and the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1796 perform two distinct functions where neither function predominates over the other to provide the essential character to the assembly. As such, General Rule of Interpretation 3 (c) instructs that we classify by the commodity that appears last in tariff. With regard to classification of the 120V AC Outlet PN TCX-1775, you suggest it is correctly classified as a connector or socket in 8536.69.8000, HTSUS. We agree. The applicable subheading for the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1796 and the AUX/USB Box PN TCX-1852 will be 8517.62.0050, HTSUS, which provides for “Telephone sets…; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data…: Other apparatus for transmission or reception of voice, images or other data…: Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus: Other.” The rate of duty will be Free. The applicable subheading for the 120V AC Outlet PN TCX-1775 will be 8536.69.8000, HTSUS, which provides for “Electrical apparatus…for making connections to or in electrical circuits…: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Other”. The rate of duty will be 2.7 percent ad valorem. 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 Karl Moosbrugger at [email protected]. Sincerely, Steven A. Mack Director National Commodity Specialist Division