RE: The tariff classification of audio players from Thailand

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 N365265 September 29, 2026 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:209 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8517.62.0090 Maher Shomali Thomsen & Burke 2 Hamill Rd. ,415 Baltimore, MD 21210 RE: The tariff classification of audio players from Thailand Dear Mr. Shomali: In your letter dated September 21, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Verkada, Inc. The merchandise under consideration consists of two models of audio players, identified as the Verkada NP21 Two-Channel Network Audio Player (“NP21”) and the Verkada NP81 16-Channel Network Audio Player (“NP81”). The NP21 provides audio inputs and outputs to digitize audio for network routing and provides audio outputs from digital signals connected to an external amplifier. The NP21 includes an Ethernet port and two HDMI ports (with up to eight channels per port), analog audio ports for digitizing audio for further processing, and general purpose inputs and outputs to allow connectivity to other devices. The NP81 is a rack-mounted audio processor that routes audio data into, out of, and through a network. While functionally similar to the NP21, the NP81 has two HDMI output ports that can accommodate up to 16 channels, 8 analog audio input channels, and 16 analog audio output channels. Both audio players do not amplify audio themselves or record. The applicable subheading for the Verkada NP21 Two-Channel Network Audio Player, and the Verkada NP81 16-Channel Network Audio Player will be 8517.62.0090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443, 8525, 8527 or 8528; parts thereof: Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus: Other.” The general rate of duty will be Free. 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 Steven Pollichino at steven.pollichino@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, (for) James P. Forkan Director National Commodity Specialist Division