In the Aug. 3, 2022, Customs Bulletin and Decisions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reclassifying a fluorescence confocal microscope as an instrument used in medical sciences under HTSUS 9018.19.40 (duty-free) rather than as a microscope under HTSUS 9012.10.00 (duty-free). Ruling HQ H311645 will revoke ruling NY N300518 to reflect this change, effective with respect to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after Oct. 2.
The item at issue utilizes a confocal laser system with fiber optic probes that allow for the imaging of the internal microstructure of tissue. It consists of a wheeled platform that incorporates the requisite laser imaging system, a touchable user interface, connectors for the fiber optic probes, and other peripheral equipment, such as a thermic printer. It designed to enter the body for purposes of examining and obtaining endomicroscopic images and is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, and uteroscopy.
CBP explains that heading 9018 is more specific than heading 9012 because it covers a narrower set of items.
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