Tech Group Begins Work on Smartwatch Customs Classification
Technology trade association TechAmerica will begin work to form a position on the classification of smartwatch products for customs purposes, the group said (here). TechAmerica's Customs Committee formed a working group "to develop common positions to provide in advocacy efforts" with CBP and other countries' customs officials, it said. The effort comes in preparation of the World Customs Organization Harmonized System Committee meeting coming in March, during which one or more smartwatches will be classified, it said.
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The past few years have seen major progress in smartwatch technology and many TechAmerica members now sell the products, it said. "Due to the different functions included in the smartwatches, alternative HS headings will be considered such as apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network of heading 8517, digital cameras and camera recorders of heading 8525, pedometers of heading 9029, and wrist-watches of heading 9102," said TechAmerica. "Depending on how these products ultimately are classified, the rate at which wearable technologies and/or their components are assessed for tariffs can vary significantly."