The Product
- A USB docking station that links a computer to the Internet, external devices and up to three extra monitors through one connection.
- One USB 3.0 Type-B port takes the upstream connection from the computer.
- Downstream: three USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port and two audio ports.
CBP's Ruling
| Item | HTS code | CBP's description of the line |
|---|---|---|
| USB docking station | HTS 8471.80.10 | Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included: Other units of automatic data processing machines: Control or adapter units |
Explanation
Under General Rule of Interpretation 1, which classifies goods by the words of the headings and notes, CBP applied Note 3 to Section XVI. That note classifies a machine that performs two or more complementary functions by its principal function.
The dock's USB ports connect peripherals, its HDMI and DisplayPort outputs feed extra monitors, its Ethernet port gives Internet access and its audio ports connect headphones, microphones and speakers. Together these outputs add to what a computer can do through one USB connection. CBP found that function is what heading 8471 describes when it names units of automatic data processing machines.
CBP followed its earlier decisions on similar docks in H337673 and N307285. Within heading 8471, the line is for control or adapter units.
Headings CBP ruled out
- 8517: Heading 8517 covers apparatus whose principal function is transmitting or receiving voice, images or other data; apart from the Ethernet port, none of the dock's outputs mainly move data between computers.
Does this apply to your product?
It likely does if you can answer yes to each of these:
- Is it a docking station that connects to a computer through a single USB connection?
- Does it give the computer extra ports for monitors, the Internet, audio and other peripherals?
- Apart from an Ethernet port, are its outputs for connecting peripherals rather than for sending data between computers?
A no to any of them can mean a different code. A licensed broker can classify your product.
The code today
| HTS code | In today's schedule | Where it sits | Today's duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8471.80.10 | ✓ Still in the schedule | Heading 8471 › Other units of automatic data processing machines | Check today's duty |
Checked against today's tariff schedule. The duty calculator opens with the code filled in.
Related rulings
H337673 and N307285 are the two docking station rulings CBP relied on here. N284202, N069858, N236756, N301143 and N332683 put other docking stations, a USB adapter unit, USB hubs and a keyboard, video and mouse switch on the same line, and N328523 puts the MBOX Studio on a neighboring line of the same subheading.
- H337673May 20, 2025Application for Further Review of Protest No. 270424169122/Request for Internal Advice; Tariff Classification of Docking Stations and Dual High-Definition Multimedia Interface Adapters8471.80.10
- N284202March 21, 2017Desktop Universal Serial Bus (USB) docking station from China8471.80.1000
- N301143November 7, 2018USB Hubs from China8471.80.1000
- N307285November 22, 2019Docking stations from China8471.80.1000
- N328523October 18, 2022MBOX Studio from China8471.80.9000
- N332683May 11, 2023Keyboard, video, and mouse switch from China8471.80.1000
- N069858August 20, 2009Docking station from Italy8471.80.1000
- N236756January 18, 2013USB adapter unit from Germany8471.80.1000
Borderless, a licensed U.S. customs brokerage, summarized CBP ruling H328693 in plain English and checked its codes against the letter and today's tariff schedule. A ruling applies only to goods that match its facts; our terms explain the rest. Terms