CBP rules on ‘Smartwatch’ Classification

In a classification ruling last week, CBP has determined that the radio transceiver within a ‘smartwatch’ gives the product its ‘essential character.’ This ruling will place ‘smartwatches’ at a duty free rate, rather than subject to duty rates imposed on traditional watches that would be classified in HTS heading 9102. Ultimately, the determination is that this product is best classified in subheading 8517.62.00.