The following ruling revocations are included in the Sept. 17, 2025, Customs Bulletin and Decisions. For more information on how to seek or utilize classification and other rulings, please contact ST&R. Click here to register for ST&R’s upcoming webinar on advanced classification topics.
Brake Hoses
CBP is issuing ruling HQ H325607 to revoke rulings NY N302378 and NY N331974 to specify that certain brake hoses are not substantially transformed in the countries in which they are cut.
The items at issue in NY N302378 are Teflon and nylon hoses with steel wire braided around them that are produced in Spain. The hoses are then shipped to China, where they are cut to length and assembled with steel fittings and/or clamps before the completed items are packaged for shipment to the U.S. The product at issue in NY N331974 is front brake hose used on motorcycles that is composed primarily of bulk roll Japanese-origin hose that is cut to length and crimped in Thailand before being assembled with fittings from China, Germany, Thailand, and the U.S. The hose has an inner tube made of fluorine resin, steel wire braiding, and a thermoplastic urethane outer cover.
CBP previously held that the country of origin of these items is China and Thailand, respectively. However, CBP is now revoking the above rulings to reflect its longstanding position that cutting brake hose to length and attaching fittings to it does not substantially transform the hose.
Wine Bottle Carrier
CBP is reclassifying a paper wine bottle carrier as a packing container under HTSUS 4819.20.00 (duty-free) rather than as an article of coated paper under HTSUS 4823.90.86 (duty-free).
Ruling HQ H338844 will revoke ruling NY N077475 to reflect this change, effective with respect to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after Nov. 17.
The product at issue is constructed of non-corrugated paperboard and is a lamination of three papers. It holds six 750 milliliter wine bottles and is marketed to retail store clients as packaging for customers who purchase wine.
CBP explains that the box is directly described by EN 48.19 in that it is a container, in the flat in one piece, used for the packing, transport, and sale of wine or similar bottled products after it is assembled by folding and slotting.
Men’s Footwear
CBP is reclassifying certain men’s footwear as sports footwear under HTSUS 6402.19.90 (9 percent duty) rather than as protective footwear under HTSUS 6402.91.5020 (37.5 percent duty).
Ruling HQ H338307 will revoke ruling NY N336132 to reflect this change, effective with respect to goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after Nov. 17.
The items at issue are two styles of closed toe/closed heel men’s winter boots that cover the ankle but not the knee. Both are similar in style and construction but differ in types of closure. The external surface area of the uppers are said to consist of 88.59 percent rubber/plastics and 11.41 percent textile material. The outer soles are gripped for traction and are compatible with crampons to assist the wearer in climbing or walking in icy environments. The boots are well insulated, water-resistant, and considered protective against cold. They do not incorporate metal toe caps.
CBP states that these boots are specially designed for a sporting activity (mountaineering and/or ice climbing) and are marketed for outdoor pursuits including glacier, arctic, and snowshoe expeditions. Moreover, they are not meant to be worn as an everyday wear or typical hiking boot. Second, the boots have a provision for the attachment of spikes, sprigs, cleats, stops, clips, bars, or the like in the form of a specially-designed indentation at the heel to support crampon attachment.
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