CBP Says Mesh Network Extenders Differ From Routers for Classification

Mesh Wi-Fi network extenders perform a different function than routers or switches and should be classified in a separate subheading, CBP said in a recently released ruling dated Dec. 18, 2020. The ruling is the result of an application for further review of protest submitted by Calix over an entry of mesh network extenders, which was liquidated in subheading 8517.62.0020. The classification issue is “whether or not the protested merchandise is 'switching and routing apparatus' of subheading 8517.62.0020, [Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUSA)], or 'other' of subheading 8517.62.0090,” CBP said.

A previous CBP ruling looked at subheading 8517.62.0020 and found that it covers “any apparatus used to switch and/or route data.” But, “unlike a router or a switch, Wi-Fi range extenders have no intelligence and make no decisions as to where the data goes next,” CBP said. “They do not contain a software or firmware routing table and cannot read the network address information in the data packet to determine the specific destination of the data packet.”

CBP also recently revoked a ruling involving the classification of range extenders (see 2011020044). The mesh extender must be “paired with a Gateway that connects to a user[']s home,” CBP said. “The Gateway connects the user[']s home to the internet and serves as a router and controller for the product at issue.” The extender “performs no switching or routing functions itself, but rather functions as a Wi-Fi extender,” the agency said. As a result, the mesh network extender is classifiable in 8517.62.0090, a duty-free subheading, CBP said.