HTS Chapter 85

Electrical machinery and electronics — ruling case studies

This page collects ETDETA's plain-English case studies of real CBP rulings in HTS Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and electronics). Each one explains how CBP classified a specific product, why the obvious heading was or was not used, the duty impact, and the compliance risks to watch — educational reading to help importers plan, not a classification determination for any specific shipment.

Case studies in this chapter

HTS 8518.30.20 H346387 2025-09-08

Wireless earbuds & headsets HTS 8518.30.20: why CBP chose headphones, not 8517
HTS 8504.40.95.50 H343160 2024-12-10

Faux plant USB charger HTS 8504.40.9550: why CBP chose static converter, not artificial plant
HTS 8504.40.95.50 H337821 2024-10-17

iHome plant charger HTS 8504.40.9550: why CBP called it a converter, not a fake plant
HTS 8518.21.00.00 N341281 2024-08-01

Hologram Bluetooth speaker HTS 8518.21.00: why CBP saw a loudspeaker, not a display

Other chapters

Ch. 94Furniture, bedding, lamps and lighting Ch. 95Toys, games and sports equipment Ch. 39Plastics and articles thereof Ch. 42Leather goods, handbags and cases Ch. 99Chapter 99 Ch. 69Chapter 69 Ch. 67Chapter 67 Ch. 63Chapter 63 Ch. 61Apparel, knitted or crocheted Ch. 48Chapter 48 Ch. 21Chapter 21 Ch. 16Chapter 16

This is general educational information compiled from public CBP CROSS rulings to help importers understand classification reasoning, duty differences and compliance risks. It is not a formal HTS classification, customs-broker service, entry instruction, duty determination, or legal advice for any specific shipment. Final classification depends on a product's actual material, construction, use, accessories, invoice description, country of origin, and current legal status. Importers should confirm with a licensed customs broker or trade counsel, or request a binding ruling from CBP, before entry.