On December 2, 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the timeline for a proposal to impose up to 100% tariffs on up to $2.4 billion in French goods. The details for this proposal were published in a Federal Register notice. According to the notice, USTR determined that “France’s Digital Services Tax [DST] is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.” The French measure, approved this past summer, charges a 3%…

In ruling NY N306613, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined the classification of the Feel Emotion Sensor, which is an electronic wearable device used to track heart rate, skin temperature and skin conductance. Via this wristband, five embedded sensors collect certain biometric indicators. The wristband contains a three-axis accelerometer used by the connected smart device to detect wrist motion and remove noise from the measured bio signals. There is also an ambient temperature and humidity sensor, which…

The Commerce Department will publish, in proposed form, long-awaited regulations to implement the sweeping language of the May 2019 Executive Order entitled “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain.” The proposed regulations, to be promulgated under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the EO, would establish a case-by-case process, by which the Secretary of Commerce could initiate (at its discretion, or at the request of another…

In ruling NY N307027, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of the following products, and their ingredients are listed below: Biscoff Ice Chocolate Chips Bars: skim milk, cream, sugar, Biscoff cookies, canola oil, glucose syrup, unsweetened chocolate processed by alkali, dried skim milk, cocoa powder processed by alkali, whey protein concentrate, mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin, milkfat, locust bean gum, guar gum, citric acid and natural flavor. Biscoff Ice Salted Caramel Bars: skim…

In ruling NY N306903, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the country of origin of a programmable robot, the Misty II. The item is a fully customizable robot that is fitted with electric motors for movement. The Misty II features an LCD display, camera, speakers, microphone, internal memory, and a rechargeable battery. The Misty II also incorporates a variety of sensors that allow it to move freely and autonomously throughout its environment by providing obstacle…

In ruling NY N306782, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of charging mousepads from China. The items are the PowerTrack Wireless Charging Mousepad and the PowerTrack Plush Wireless Charging Mousepad. Both are constructed of cellular plastic with a covering of polyester microfiber, has an embedded 10 W wireless inductive charging coil, LED status indicators, and a USB port for connecting to a power source. In use, both items are placed on a desk…