CBP Rules on Origin of Alcohol Prep Pads

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final determination concerning the country of origin of alcohol prep pads that may be offered to the U.S. government. Any party-at-interest may seek judicial review of this determination by May 5.

According to CBP, the item at issue consists of disposable, sterile, single-use, non-woven textile alcohol prep pads designed and intended for use in hospitals, surgery centers, and similar healthcare settings. They are imported individually packaged, ready for use, and saturated with a sterile solution consisting of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 30 percent water. The pads are classified under HTSUS 5603.12.00.

In ruling HQ H340712 CBP concludes that, pursuant to the textile and apparel rules of origin in 19 CFR 102.21, the country of origin of the pads is Taiwan, where the fabric for the pads is produced, and not China, where the fabric is cut and solution is added.

CBP issues country of origin advisory rulings and final determinations as to whether an article is or would be a product of a designated country or instrumentality for the purposes of granting waivers of certain “Buy American” restrictions in U.S. law or practice for products offered for sale to the U.S. government. For more information on BAA requirements or restrictions, please contact Mark Segrist or Mark Tallo.