Importers of battery chargers or external power supplies (EPSs), and manufacturers or sellers of consumer products that include battery chargers or EPSs, are likely subject to strict energy conservation standards. By virtue of Department of Energy (DOE) regulations that took effect in February 2016 and June 2018 for EPSs and battery chargers, respectively, manufacturers and
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of an Alarm Clock for the Hearing Impaired
In ruling NY N304661, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification of an alarm clock for the hearing impaired. The Futuristic Alarm Clock is a digital alarm clock with an opto-electronic display that exhibits the hour, minute, AM/PM indicator and snooze button. The Futuristic Alarm Clock features a dimmable clock display, dimmable light emitting
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of Storm Glass Weather Forecaster
In Ruling NY N304567, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification of a storm glass weather forecaster. This item uses a liquid mixture of distilled water, potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ethanol, and camphor to predict atmospheric change. The liquid in the glass 
appears cloudy when precipitation is approaching; when crystals are visible in the
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of “The Finisher” Sports Equipment
In ruling NY N304446, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification a piece of training, conditioning and strength building equipment, called “The Finisher.” It is designed for football training. “The Finisher” is 67.2 inches long, 23.5 inches high, 30 inches wide and weighs 260 pounds and described as a cross between a push sled
Clothing Importer faces FCA Suit and Criminal Charges for Undervaluing Goods
In today’s protectionist environment, importers are facing heightened legal risks and a potential False Claims Act (“FCA”) violation when providing information to Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”). Earlier this month, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Manhattan-based children’s apparel companies Stargate Apparel, Inc.
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of “Dummy” Security Cameras
In Ruling NY N304557, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification of “dummy” security cameras from China. These are plastic items manufactured in the shape of security cameras with no internal components to allow it to record or capture still images. The cameras contain a battery-powered, blinking LED light as their only electrical component
USTR Announces List 3 Exclusion Process for Section 301 Tariffs
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a federal register notice today outlining the process for submitting Section 301 exclusion requests for List 3. The USTR noted that if an exclusion is granted, it will effective from the day the 10% tariff came to effect (i.e. from September 24, 2018). The USTR also introduced a new
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of Knit Socks with Sensors
In Ruling NY N304090, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the 
Classification of Knit Socks with Sensors from France. The pair of knit socks are part of the “PUP (Patient is Up) system, which is designed to alert the caregivers in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other facility that a patient is attempting to
Threatened Tariffs Against Mexico Indefinitely Suspended
On June 7, 2019, the U.S. Department of State published a statement explaining that the U.S. and Mexican governments had come to an agreement on what measures would be taken to address the issue of the increasing number of migrants coming into the U.S. from its southern border. In a string of tweets, President
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification of Sport Helmets with Integrated Headphones
In NY N303834, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification of sport helmets with integrated wireless headphones. The hard-shell of the helmet is composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) which is not reinforced and is constructed with an inner lining of expanded polystyrene (EPS). It features a removable goggle clip and is manufactured