RE: The tariff classification of a battery-operated rodent snap trap from the Czech Republic

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Commodity Specialist Division One World Trade Center, Suite 51.201 New York, NY 10007 U.S. Customs and Border Protection N364946 September 17, 2026 CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:N1:104 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8479.89.9597 Milena Wienand Futura GmbH Nikolaus-Otto-Straße 22 Borchen 33178 Germany RE: The tariff classification of a battery-operated rodent snap trap from the Czech Republic Dear Ms. Wienand: In your letter dated September 9, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The Emitter® Tubetrap 2.0, item number 160215-Set (Tubetrap), is a reusable professional rodent-control device designed to detect and mechanically capture rodents. It consists of a protective housing, a spring-loaded metal trapping mechanism with metal strike bars, a movement/proximity sensor, electronic control circuitry, an electromagnetically controlled release mechanism, an integrated cellular/SIM communication function and a rechargeable lithium-ion LiFePO4 battery pack. The principal use of the Tubetrap is the detection and mechanical capture of rodents, principally mice and rats, in professional pest-control applications. The unit is intended to reduce the need for manual inspection by communicating the operating and trigger status of the integrated trap to a remote server. The electronic and cellular features support the mechanical trapping function by detecting movement or the presence of a rodent; controlling the release of the mechanical trapping mechanism; distinguishing operating or trigger states; and transmitting the trap status to the operator or service provider. Without the mechanical trapping mechanism, however, the Tubetrap could not perform its principal rodent-control function. The cellular function does not independently provide a general communication service and does not replace the integrated mechanical trap. The device can be operated in two modes: in capture mode the sensor detects the rodent’s presence and the electronic control system releases the spring-loaded metal strike mechanism to capture the rodent. In monitoring mode the device detects rodent movement or activity without releasing the strike mechanism and communicates the detected status remotely. The Tubetrap transmits information such as armed status, triggered status, movement status and, where applicable, catch-related status through an integrated SIM/cellular connection using the supported cellular IoT network connection to a remote server. The communication function is dedicated to monitoring and reporting the status of the integrated trap. The device does not contain a general-purpose cellular data-transmission module imported as a separate article, and is not imported with a separate external receiver, gateway or router. The product will be imported as one complete and assembled unit. The battery is installed or supplied as the designated battery component of the Tubetrap set and is not imported as a separate product under item number 160215-Set. The applicable subheading for the Emitter® Tubetrap 2.0, item number 160215-Set will be 8479.89.9597, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: other machines and mechanical appliances: other: other: other. The general rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem. The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. 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 at https://hts.usitc.gov/. This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions covering exceptions to such tariffs. For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies. 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 Arthur Purcell at arthur.purcell@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, (for) James P. Forkan Director National Commodity Specialist Division