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CBP rulings digest

Which rulings did CBP issue in February 2026?

19 Headquarters rulings and 224 New York rulings dated February 2026, as published in CROSS so far.

What did CBP Headquarters decide?

Headquarters (HQ) rulings decide classification, origin, value, marking and other questions, and they revoke or modify older rulings.

  • Inverters and chargers assembled in Hong Kong ruled to originate in China for Section 301

    The ruling covers electrical inverters, battery chargers, and inverter/chargers classified under subheading 8504.40.95, HTSUS, imported from Hong Kong but with printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) made in China. The importer argued the devices originated in Hong Kong because final assembly occurred there, but CBP found the PCBAs already gave the devices their character and predetermined use before leaving China. CBP held that the country of origin is China, so the products are subject to Section 301 duties under subheading 9903.88.03.

    Who it matters to: Importers of electronics assembled across multiple countries should know that CBP will treat the country where the main PCBA is manufactured as the country of origin, even if final assembly happens elsewhere.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 280923110395; [ ]; Country of Origin of Imported Electrical Inverters and Battery Chargers; Section 301 Trade Remedy

  • Italian gate valves welded into subsea PLET structures qualify for TIB under 9813.00.05

    Woodside Energy Group LTD plans to import gate valves from Italy, weld them onto pipes in the United States, and export the finished pipeline end termination (PLET) structures to Mexico. CBP ruled that the welding is processing that creates a new U.S.-produced article, so the valves may enter duty-free under TIB subheading 9813.00.05, HTSUS. CBP noted that full accounting rules apply and that duty may be owed under USMCA duty-deferral provisions on export to Mexico.

    Who it matters to: Importers using TIB to process foreign parts into goods bound for Mexico or Canada should expect accounting requirements and possible USMCA duty-deferral duties at export.

    CBP subject: Eligibility for temporary importation under bond of certain valves; United States-Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA)

  • Aircraft engine repair parts used in overhauls are not eligible for unused merchandise drawback

    Dallas Airmotive imports engines duty free and imports dutiable engine repair parts held in a Foreign Trade Zone, then withdraws them to repair aircraft engines before exporting the repaired engines. Dallas Airmotive asked CBP whether these parts qualify for substitution unused merchandise drawback under 19 U.S.C. 1313(j)(2). CBP ruled that installing the parts to repair an engine employs them for their intended purpose, making them used merchandise, so they do not qualify for drawback under 1313(j)(2).

    Who it matters to: Importers who install imported repair or replacement parts into a product before export should know CBP treats those parts as used, disqualifying them from unused merchandise drawback.

    CBP subject: Eligibility of airplane engine parts for unused merchandise drawback.

  • Yacht cruised abroad for years stays duty-paid, no new import on return

    A 63 foot yacht was imported and duty-paid in 2013, then sold to a U.S. company that took it on extended pleasure cruises to foreign countries, including a period of over three years outside the United States, before returning. CBP considered whether the yacht was exported when it left the United States and would therefore be dutiable again upon return under 19 C.F.R. 141.2. CBP held the yacht was never exported because the owner always intended to return it and never sought to enter it into foreign commerce, so it is not dutiable on its return despite its Cayman Islands registration.

    Who it matters to: Importers of yachts and other vessels that cruise abroad temporarily can rely on this ruling to show that foreign travel without intent to enter foreign commerce does not trigger a new duty liability on return.

    CBP subject: Importation and dutiability of a yacht; exportation; 19 C.F.R. § 101.1; reimportation; 19 C.F.R. § 141.2.

  • H341926(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    CBP excludes TN830 'compatible' toner cartridges under Section 337 exclusion order

    Brother requested a ruling that certain TN830 'compatible' toner cartridges, imported by seven named companies, infringe patents covered by a general exclusion order from Investigation No. 337-TA-1174. The accused importers did not respond despite notice, so CBP found them in default and treated Brother's factual allegations as admitted. CBP ruled that the Type A and Type B cartridges at issue are subject to exclusion from entry for consumption under the general exclusion order because they infringe claims of the '856 and '456 Patents.

    Who it matters to: Importers of toner cartridges or components marketed as TN830 replacements should know CBP will bar entry of products matching the described infringing designs, though the ruling does not bind products that differ materially from those at issue.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; General Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1174; Certain Toner Cartridges, Components Thereof, and Systems

  • H351104(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    CBP examines whether Apaltek's redesigned liquid coolers fall under ITC exclusion order 337-TA-1394

    Apaltek asked CBP to rule that its redesigned CF and TDT liquid coolers do not infringe two Cooler Master patents and therefore are not covered by the limited exclusion order issued in ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1394. The order bars entry of liquid coolers for electronic components that infringe specific claims of two related patents on cooling apparatus design. The ruling text sets out the legal standards for exclusion orders and patent infringement analysis but does not state a final determination on the redesigned products.

    Who it matters to: Importers of liquid cooling products connected to this ITC investigation should watch for CBP's infringement determination, since it will decide whether redesigned versions can still enter the United States.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1394; Certain Liquid Coolers for Electronic Components in Computers, Components Thereof, Devices for Controlling Same, And Products Containing Same

  • H344595(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    Innoscience's redesigned GaN transistors fall outside Section 337 limited exclusion order

    Innoscience asked CBP to rule on whether its redesigned gallium nitride (GaN) transistors infringe claims 2 and 3 of U.S. Patent No. 8,350,294, which is covered by the limited exclusion order in ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1366. CBP determined that the redesigned products are not subject to that limited exclusion order. The ruling does not involve an HTS subheading; it addresses whether the goods may enter the United States under the existing Section 337 exclusion order.

    Who it matters to: This ruling matters to importers bringing in Innoscience's redesigned GaN transistors, and to parties tracking how CBP applies Section 337 exclusion orders to modified products.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1366; Certain Semiconductor Devices, and Methods of Manufacturing Same and Products Containing the Same

  • H345153(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    Redesigned Bluenix icemaking machines fall outside ITC's limited exclusion order

    CBP reviewed redesigned icemaking machines and evaporator plate assemblies from Blue Air FSE, LLC and Bluenix Co., Ltd., built differently from the legacy products found to infringe patents in ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1369. The question was whether these redesigned models fall within the scope of the limited exclusion order covering icemaking machines, evaporators, and evaporator plate assemblies that infringe specified claims of three related patents. CBP ruled that the redesigned models are not subject to the limited exclusion order and may be entered for consumption.

    Who it matters to: This ruling matters to importers of icemaking machines or evaporator components from Blue Air FSE or Bluenix, since it clears the identified redesigned part numbers for entry despite the existing ITC exclusion order.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1369; Certain Icemaking Machines and Components Thereof

  • H354124(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    A-Hair's redesigned braiding hair remains subject to Section 337 exclusion order

    A-Hair Import Inc. imports pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair and asked CBP to rule that a redesigned version of its product falls outside the limited exclusion order from ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1415, which bars entry of hair products that infringe three named patents. CBP found that the redesigned articles are subject to the exclusion order because they are covered by the Commission's default finding against A-Hair in that investigation. The ruling does not involve an HTS subheading; it addresses coverage under a Section 337 limited exclusion order.

    Who it matters to: Importers named as defaulting or infringing respondents in a Section 337 investigation should know that redesigning a product does not automatically remove it from an existing limited exclusion order.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1415; Certain Pre-Stretched Synthetic Braiding Hair and Packaging Therefor

  • H344639(opens CROSS)Feb 2019 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    CBP reviews Nice's redesigned garage door openers against Section 337 exclusion order

    Nice (Nortek) asked CBP to rule that its redesigned garage door operators and certain other garage door operators are not covered by the limited exclusion order issued in ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1118, which bars entry of movable barrier operator systems that infringe claim 11 of U.S. Patent No. 8,587,404. The ruling sets out the ITC's procedural history, including the Federal Circuit's remand and the Commission's finding that Nice's original and first redesigned products infringed the patent while one analog product (the Mighty Mule models) did not. The ruling text provided describes the background and procedural steps of this inter partes proceeding but does not include CBP's final determination on whether the newly redesigned or other GDOs are subject to the exclusion order.

    Who it matters to: Importers of movable barrier operator systems and components, especially garage door openers linked to Nortek/Nice or Chamberlain's patented technology, should watch this proceeding to see which product designs CBP treats as excluded from U.S. entry under the Section 337 order.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1118; Certain Movable Barrier Operator Systems and Components Thereof

  • H331612(opens CROSS)Feb 12Origin, Classification

    Girls' pants from Madagascar: denim styles keep AGOA benefit, twill styles lose it

    Samsung C&T America protested the denial of AGOA duty-free treatment for seven styles of girls' woven pants and shorts made in Madagascar from Chinese fabric, thread, and elastic. CBP reclassified the toddler-size pants from heading 6209 to subheading 6204.62.80, matching the other styles, and found the denim styles (V41625DG/V41626DG, D41298DG, V41628DG, D41468DG) qualify for AGOA treatment under subheading 9819.11.12 because documentation showed they were wholly assembled in Madagascar. CBP denied AGOA treatment for the twill styles (D21379DG, D21298DG, D21468DG) because the importer could not provide packing lists and production records showing the twill fabric was assembled there.</summary

    Who it matters to: Importers claiming AGOA preferential treatment must keep complete packing lists, production records, and affidavits tying each fabric type to the assembling factory, or CBP can deny the claim style by style.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 4601-21-129656; Tariff classification and eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (“AGOA”) of woven girls’ pants and shorts

  • H331892(opens CROSS)Feb 11Classification

    PVC-coated knit fabrics split between 5903.10.20 and 6001.92.00, protest denied

    Keyston Bros. protested CBP's classification of 14 styles of PVC-coated polyester knit fabrics used to imitate leather, arguing all should fall under subheading 5903.10.20. CBP found that fabrics with brushed or napped textile backing (Avalanche, Connect AKA Circuit, Grabber, Jackson, Remington, Reno ADF, Wild Croc) belong in subheading 5903.10.20, while fabrics with a knit pile textile construction (Autosoft Moss, Advantage Marine, Autosoft KLM, Cheyenne, Melbourne Marine, Olympus, Colorado) belong in subheading 6001.92.00. Because reclassification would not reduce duties, CBP denied the protest in full.

    Who it matters to: Importers of plastic-coated textile fabrics should check whether the textile backing is brushed/napped or knit pile construction, since this distinction determines the correct HTS subheading and duty rate.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 1704-22-105466; Tariff Classification of Plastic-Coated Textile Fabrics

    HTS 5903.10.20, 6001.92.00

  • H336525(opens CROSS)Feb 10Classification

    Milky Ghee blend of ghee and skim milk powder classified in 2106, not 0405

    CBP reviewed a protest over Milky Ghee, a product made of 99 percent ghee and 1 percent skimmed powder milk. CBP had liquidated the entry under subheading 0405.90.20 as ghee, but the importer argued the blend belongs under heading 2106 as a food preparation. CBP agreed and classified the product under subheading 2106.90.64, HTSUS (or 2106.90.66 if quota quantities are exceeded), and granted the protest.

    Who it matters to: Importers of ghee blended with milk powder or other non-milkfat additives should note that such mixtures fall under heading 2106, not heading 0405, which applies only to pure ghee.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 1803-23-102495; Milky Ghee

    HTS 2106.90.64, 2106.90.66

  • H338730(opens CROSS)Feb 6Classification

    Aluminum clamps for solar tracking systems classified as machine parts in 8479.90.95

    Array Technologies imported aluminum clamps from China used to attach solar panel modules to torque beams in motorized solar tracking systems. CBP had liquidated the entries under heading 7610 as parts of structures, but the importer protested, arguing for heading 8479 or 7616. CBP determined the clamps are integral parts that transmit rotary motion to the panels and classified them under subheading 8479.90.95, HTSUS, granting the protest.

    Who it matters to: Importers of components dedicated solely to use in a specific machine should review whether such parts belong in heading 8479 rather than structural or general aluminum article headings.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 5301-23-109539; Classification of Aluminum “Clamps” for Certain Solar Panel Tracking Systems

    HTS 8479.90.95

  • H326375(opens CROSS)Feb 5Classification

    Nexgrill gas grills stay in 7321.11.60 and 8516.60.40

    Nexgrill Industries asked CBP to reconsider NY N324250 and reclassify two outdoor gas grill models under subheading 8516.60.60. CBP affirmed its original decision: the propane grill without an electric heating element (Model 720-1054) remains a nonelectric appliance under subheading 7321.11.60, and the grill with an attached electric air oven (Model 720-1055 Option C) remains classified as a combined gas-electric oven under subheading 8516.60.40. CBP found that using electricity only to control gas flow does not make an appliance electrothermic, but an actual electric heating element for the oven does.

    Who it matters to: Importers of outdoor gas grills with electronic controls but no electric heating element should expect classification under 7321, while models with an added electric oven fall under 8516.60.40, not 8516.60.60.

    CBP subject: Request for Reconsideration of NY N324250; Classification of Outdoor Gas Grills

    HTS 7321.11.60, 8516.60.40

  • H347983(opens CROSS)Feb 519 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    Redesigned Delta and Cyntec power converter modules cleared from ITC exclusion order

    This ruling covers four redesigned power converter modules from Delta and Cyntec, made for use in data center and AI computing systems. CBP's Exclusion Order Enforcement Branch examined whether these products fall under a limited exclusion order from ITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1370, which bars entry of products infringing two specific patents. Because the patent owner did not contest that the redesigned products avoid infringement, CBP ruled the four named products are not subject to exclusion from entry under the LEO.

    Who it matters to: Importers of these specific redesigned Delta and Cyntec power converter modules can rely on this ruling to enter them without exclusion, but any product that differs materially from the ones described is not covered.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; Limited Exclusion Order; Investigation No. 337-TA-1370; Certain Power Converter Modules and Computing Systems Containing the Same

  • H345780(opens CROSS)Feb 3Classification

    Pool sand and cartridge filters from China remain subject to Section 301 duties

    CBP reviewed a protest over sand filter systems and cartridge filter systems for swimming pools, classified under subheading 8421.21.00. The importer argued the exclusion for waste water treatment machinery in U.S. Note 20(ttt)(i)(23) to Chapter 99 should apply. CBP denied the protest, finding that pool filtration is not waste water treatment as that term is commonly understood, so the goods remain subject to the additional Section 301 duties under heading 9903.88.01.

    Who it matters to: Importers of swimming pool filtration equipment from China should not assume this or similar Section 301 exclusions for waste water treatment machinery will apply to their products.

    CBP subject: Application for Further Review of Protest No. 2704-23-168738; Classification of Sand and Cartridge Filter Systems from China

    HTS 8421.21.00

  • H354463(opens CROSS)Feb 319 U.S.C. § 1337; Unfair Competition

    Redesigned Wuxi tourniquet cleared from blood flow restriction device exclusion order

    CBP reviewed a request from Wuxi Emsrun Technology Co. Ltd. asking whether its redesigned tourniquet, called 'Wuxi Tourniquet New Design 1,' falls under the general and limited exclusion orders issued in Investigation No. 337-TA-1364 covering blood flow restriction devices with rotatable windlasses. The complainants in that investigation told CBP they do not contest admissibility of this redesigned article. CBP ruled that the article at issue is not subject to the general exclusion order or the limited exclusion order.

    Who it matters to: Importers of blood flow restriction devices with rotatable windlasses should confirm whether their specific product design matches an article CBP has cleared or excluded under this order before importing.

    CBP subject: Ruling Request; U.S. International Trade Commission; General and Limited Exclusion Orders; Investigation No. 337-TA-1364; Certain Blood Flow Restriction Devices with Rotatable Windlasses and Components Thereof

  • H342925(opens CROSS)Feb 3ClassificationModifies N233370

    China lithium-ion battery and charger set stays classified under 8504.40.95

    CBP reviewed a request to reconsider NY N340642 on a 20 Volt lithium-ion battery pack and charger set from China, used with specific power tools. The importer argued the battery gave the set its essential character and it belonged in heading 8507. CBP affirmed the original ruling, finding the charger imparts the essential character under GRI 3(b), so the set is classified under subheading 8504.40.95, with secondary tariff number 9903.88.03 for products of China.

    Who it matters to: Importers of battery and charger sets from China that power a limited range of specific devices should expect classification under 8504, with Section 301 duties applying under 9903.88.03.

    CBP subject: Request to reconsider NY N340642 (June 26, 2024); Classification of a lithium-ion battery and charger set from China

    HTS 8504.40.95, 9903.88.03

Which goods did the New York rulings classify?

New York (NY) rulings are classification rulings from the National Commodity Specialist Division, grouped by HTS chapter.

Chapter 98

  • N357726(opens CROSS)-importation into the United States provided the documentary requirements of 19 CFR 181.64 are satisfied. The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. 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 at https//hts.usitc.gov/. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Custom9802.00.50, 9802.00.40
  • N358447(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of flooring samples from Mexico9811.00.60
  • N358457(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of panel samples from the United Arab Emirates9811.00.60
  • N357727(opens CROSS)Eligibility for duty-free treatment under Nairobi Protocol concerning Airvo 3 Respiratory Support System components from New Zealand.9817.00.96
  • N357755(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of CataRhex 3 Cataract Surgical System from Switzerland.9817.00.96
  • N357785(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of dental implants and abutments from Switzerland9817.00.96
  • N357882(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of a plastic dust cap from China.9817.00.96
  • N358128(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of Freestyle Comfort (FSC) Oxygen Concentrator components from China.9817.00.96
  • N358390(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of Spirit Liquid Oxygen System component from China.9817.00.96
  • N358418(opens CROSS)The tariff classification of a plastic bowl from China Ms. Lawrence In your letter dated February 2, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample and an import quote sheet was submitted with your request. The sample will be retained by this office. The item is referred to as a 3D Ghost Ramekin, SKU #43846501. The three-dimensional, round, white bowl is shaped like a ghost’s face. The item measures approximately 3.62 inches long by 3.62 inches wide by 2.17 inches high. The bowl is made from 50% melamine and 50% urea plastic materials. You have indicated that the bowl is food-safe, but it’s not dishwasher, microwave, or oven-safe. The item will be marketed and sold during the Halloween season. The volume capacity of the bowl is 6.4 fluid ounces. You refer to this item as a ramekin. A ramekin is an individual baking dish used in the oven. This article is a plastic bowl and is not heatproof. The applicable subheading for the Ghost bowl, SKU#43846501, will be 3924.10.2000, H9817.95.05

No HTS number given

Summaries are general information, not legal advice. A ruling binds CBP only for the goods and the facts it describes (19 CFR 177.9). Other months

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