Background

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final determination concerning the country of origin of a male-to-female adapter that may be offered to the U.S. government. Any party-at-interest may seek judicial review of this determination by Aug. 1.

According to CBP, the device at issue is used to convert signals transmitted between a desktop or laptop computer and a video graphics array-compliant monitor or television. The adapter has one male connector (source signal input), one printed circuit board assembly attached to a VGA female connector (PCBA/signal output), and one eight-inch-long cable. The PCBA is manufactured in Taiwan and is then assembled with Chinese-origin components in China into the final product.

In ruling HQ H331939, CBP concluded that the country of origin of the adapter is Taiwan because the PCBA imparts the character of the adapter, various components are substantially transformed when assembled into the PCBA in Taiwan, and processing in China is not sufficiently complex and meaningful to result in a substantial transformation. CBP also determined that, for similar reasons, the country of origin of the adapter for marking purposes is also Taiwan.

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 SegristMark Tallo, or Josh Rodman.

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