U.S. Customs and Border Protection · CROSS Database · 2 HTS codes referenced
Primary HTS Code
8543.70.9960
$1026.4M monthly imports
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Court Cases
1 case
CIT & Federal Circuit
Ruling Age
5 years
Data compiled from CBP CROSS Rulings, Census Bureau Trade Data, CourtListener (CIT/CAFC) · As of 2026-04-30 · Updates monthly
The tariff classification of an ultrasonic fogger from China
N311537 May 18, 2020 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:212 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8543.70.9960; 9903.88.02 Nathaniel Brown 16 Colby Road Danville, NH 03819 RE: The tariff classification of an ultrasonic fogger from China Dear Mr. Brown: In your letter dated April 30, 2020, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration is described as an ultrasonic fogger for use in reptile and amphibian enclosures. The fogger is comprised of a set of ceramic discs and a transducer encased within a metal housing. Additionally, some versions of the fogger incorporate LED lights on top for visual effect. When placed within a water source, the transducer activates the discs, which vibrate and break apart the water molecules. This action creates a vapor or misting effect. You state that the device contains no motors and that there is no chemical reaction used to create the vapor or mist. The applicable subheading for the ultrasonic fogger will be 8543.70.9960, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.6% ad valorem. Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheading 8543.70.9960, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.02, in addition to subheading 8543.70.9960, HTSUS, listed above. The HTSUS is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Note cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. For background information regarding the Section 301 trade remedy, you may refer to the relevant parts of the USTR and CBP websites, which are available at: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/tariff-actions https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/301-certain-products-china 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 on the World Wide Web at https://hts.usitc.gov/current. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Luke LePage at luke.lepage@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, Steven A. Mack Director National Commodity Specialist Division
CIT and CAFC court opinions related to the tariff classifications in this ruling.