Nov. 1 CBP Bulletin Proposes to Revoke, Modify Rulings on Bicycle Cogs and Cassettes
In the Nov. 1 Customs Bulletin (Vol. 51, No. 44), CBP published notices that propose to revoke and modify rulings and similar treatment for free-wheel bicycle cogs and cassettes.
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Comments on Proposals Due Dec. 1
CBP said consideration will be given to any written comments received by Dec. 1 before taking this action. In addition, any party who has received a ruling or decision on the merchandise that is subject to the proposed revocations or modifications, or any party involved with a substantially identical transaction, should advise CBP by the date that written comments on the proposed ruling are due. (An importer's failure to advise CBP of such rulings, decisions or substantially identical transactions may raise issues of reasonable care on the part of the importer or its agents for importations subsequent to the effective date of the final decision in this notice.)
Proposals
CBP is proposing to revoke or modify the rulings below, and any rulings on these products that may exist but have not been specifically identified. CBP is also proposing to revoke any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions.
Free-Wheel Bicycle Cogs and Cassettes
| Item: Rear hub cogs imported for installation onto bicycles and wheels. The cogs are circular articles of metal with teeth on their outer edges and holes in their middles. They are also referred to as “sprockets” and are assembled to form a “cluster” or “cassette” by being grouped to fit one upon another. The rear portion of the bicycle pedal chain is wrapped around the cassette so that the rear wheel rotates when the bicycle is pedaled. |
| Current: 8714.99.80, 10%, "Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713: Other: Other: Other.” |
| Proposed: 8714.93.70, free, “Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713: Other: Hubs, other than coater braking hubs and hub brakes, and free-wheel sprocket-wheels: Free-wheel sprocket-wheels.” |
| Reason: The cogs and cassettes act as free-wheel sprocket-wheels by allowing a bicycle power train to be engaged when pedaling forward and coast freely when not pedaled or pedaling backwards. Previous rulings on the term free-wheel sprocket wheels were unnecessarily restrictive and did not take into account that the more technologically advanced or improved articles share the essential characteristics of the older free-wheel cogs and cassette. |
| Proposed for revocation: HQ H161003 (2013), NY N116976 (2010) |
| Proposed for modification: HQ H174522 (2012) |
| Proposed new ruling: HQ H288022 |