On September 28, 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China published the draft Provisions on Regulating and Promoting Cross-Border Data Flows (“Draft Provisions”) for public consultation, demonstrating that China is trying to strike a balance between enhancing data security and promoting data-driven economic growth. Multinational companies with cross-border data transfers involving China are recommended to revisit
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of Torrefied Wood Pellets
In ruling N326984 (August 2, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of torrefied wood pellets from Vietnam. The pellets under consideration consist of agglomerated, powdered wood by-products – which include sawdust, sawmill waste, wood manufacturing waste, and tree waste. The powdered wood is agglomerated under heat and pressure. The pelletized material
Customs Ruling of the Week – Country of Origin of Mallets
In ruling N327063 (August 3, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the country of origin of mallets. The imported mallets are identified as 12-ounce and 24-ounce Hickory 2-sided Soft Face Mallets. The mallets consist of a forged, carbon steel head and an injection-molded handle. The mallets also come with replaceable plastic caps that are
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of a Tot Swimmer Flotation Device
In ruling N326933 (July 27, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of a “2-in-1 Tot Swimmer” flotation device from China. The item comes in two different styles and functions as a swim training system to grow with children as they become more comfortable in the water. The flotation device consists of
Customs Ruling of the Week – Country of Origin of Sea Urchin Uni
In ruling N326746 (July 21, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the country of origin of Sea Urchin Roe Skeins. The Sea Urchin Roe (also known as “Uni”) is an organ of the sea urchin. Five strips of Uni reside within the structure of an urchin, and range in color from rich gold to
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of Halloween-Themed Pet Toys
In ruling N326582 (July 6, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of a Halloween-themed pet toys from China. The item, which is described as “2-Pack Cat Toys,” is set of two plush pet toys that are meant for use by cats. Both toys are composed of 100% polyester woven plush fabric
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of a Portable Chair-and-Backpack
In ruling N326929 (July 8, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of a portable chair-and-backpack from China. The product, identified as an the “Playamigo All-in-One Portable Chair & Backpack,” is a combination travel tote bag with storage compartments and a portable seat. The item is constructed of 3 internal round steel
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of an AirPods Case Cover
In ruling N326692 (June 30, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of a plastic Apple AirPods case cover from China. The product, identified as an “AirPods Silicone Case-Black,” is made wholly from silicone plastic and is intended to be a protective cover for the Apple AirPods charging case. The cover is
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification and Country of Origin of Liquid Sugar
In ruling N324972 (June 24, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification and country of origin of liquid sugar from Canada. The subject merchandise contains 66.7% sugar and 33.3% water and trace amounts of Calcium hydroxide. The raw cane sugar is a product from Brazil that is granulated, diluted with water, heated
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
In ruling N326460 (June 23, 2022), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the tariff classification of a robotic vacuum cleaner from China. The product is identified as the YEEDI Model DVX46, K850+ (the “K850+”). The K850+ is round in shape, measuring approximately 508 mm in diameter and 474 mm in height. The model is rated