Satellite Receivers Are 'Telephones,' Importer Argues in CIT Complaint

CBP misclassified low noise blocks and switches over a series of entries between 2016 and 2018 as "transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting," rather than as duty-free "telephone sets,' Global Invacom said in a May 30 complaint at the Court of International Trade (Global Invacom Ltd. v. U.S., CIT # 21-00261).

Specifically, Global wants the items classified under subheadings 8517.69.00 or 8517.70.00, depending on the date of entry. CBP classified the items under subheading 8525.50.30 as "transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: Transmission apparatus: Television: Other" and liquidated at duty rates of 1.8%, 1.3%, or 0.9%, depending upon the date of entry. The complaint offers no argument as to Global's preferred classification. The items at issue are used to receive satellite signals, then convert the frequency and amplify the signal for further processing.