The country of origin of fiber optic cables

N355903 December 2, 2025 OT:RR:NC:N2:212 CATEGORY: Origin Liang Zhang King & Wood Mallesons 18th Floor, East Tower, World Financial Center Beijing China RE: The country of origin of fiber optic cables Dear Liang Zhang: In your letter dated November 10, 2025, you requested a country of origin ruling on behalf of your client, FS Tech PTE., Ltd. The merchandise under consideration is described as optical fiber cable, which is identified by the model number MTP®/MPO Trunks-48FMTPSMF. The cable is further described as double-jacketed trunk cable patch cord assembly. The subject cable consists of 48 bundled and jacketed optical fibers that are terminated with optical connectors at each end. The length of the cable is customized according to the customer requirements. The cable is used to connect various optical networking equipment over long distance connections between cabinets or different areas within a data center. In your request, you propose two manufacturing scenarios. In both cases, the manufacturing process takes place in Vietnam where the optical fiber is jacketed using Chinese origin plastic pellets. Next, the cables are cut to specific length and terminated with various optical connectors from the United States. The finished cables are tested and packaged for shipment to the United States. In scenario 1, the optical fibers are sourced from a manufacturer in the United States where the optical fibers are drawn from the preform made in the United States. The finished optical fibers are shipped to Vietnam for further processing. In scenario 2, the optical fibers are drawn from a manufacturer in India where the preform is sourced from the United States. The finished optical fibers are shipped to Vietnam for further processing. We note that in both scenarios, the preforms are made by the same manufacturer in the United States by depositing silica particles onto a base rod or substrate tube, gradually forming the preform. Then, other elements are added to adjust the refractive index, forming the core and cladding structure. The process for drawing the optical fibers from the preforms is the same for both scenarios. When determining the country of origin, the substantial transformation analysis is applicable. See, e.g., Headquarters Ruling Letter (“HQ”) H301619, dated November 6, 2018. The test for determining whether a substantial transformation will occur is whether an article emerges from a process with a new name, character, or use different from that possessed by the article prior to processing. See Texas Instruments Inc. v. United States, 681 F.2d 778 (C.C.P.A. 1982). This determination is based on the totality of the evidence. See National Hand Tool Corp. v. United States, 16 C.I.T. 308 (1992), aff’d, 989 F.2d 1201 (Fed. Cir. 1993). In the instant case, the glass preforms are manufactured with specific attributes and qualities that are predetermined by the materials used to manufacture the preform. The drawing of fibers from the preform will preserve the key properties of the preform such as the refractive index, core and cladding structure, and chemical composition. The drawing process merely transforms the physical attributes by massively reducing the diameter of the preform into extremely thin fibers while retaining the ratio of core size and cladding size along with maintaining the chemical and optical attributes. It is the opinion of this office that the preforms manufactured in the United States impart the character of the finished cable. Further, the drawing process performed in India and the final assembly process taking place in Vietnam, including jacketing of the optical fibers and addition of connectors, do not substantially transform the preform into new and different articles of commerce. Accordingly, based on the facts presented, the origin of the fiber optic cable as presented in both scenarios, for model number MTP®/MPO Trunks-48FMTPSMF, will be the United States. Whether an article may be marked with the phrase "Made in the USA" or similar words denoting U.S. origin, is an issue under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). We suggest that you contact the FTC Division of Enforcement, 6th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20508 on the propriety of proposed markings indicating that an article is made in the USA. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2. Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection 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, please contact National Import Specialist Luke LePage at luke.lepage@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, (for) Deborah Marinucci Designated Official Performing the Duties of the Division Director National Commodity Specialist Division