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October 2024, question 39
Classification · Classification: GRIs, notes and headings
What is the CLASSIFICATION of a beverage dispenser machine designed to dispense both soda and non-carbonated soft drinks? The dispenser is made of stainless steel and incorporates solenoid valves that allow the components of a beverage to be mixed, and ultimately dispensed, on demand. It also features a “cold plate”, which uses a supply of ice provided by a different apparatus that does not accompany the instant merchandise at importation, to cool beverages before dispensing them (i.e., it is not imported with a refrigerating unit). The machine’s solenoid valves control the flow of liquid through the water and syrup lines, and their activation by a customer directly causes the machine to mix and release the beverages. The machine will be used in restaurants, supermarkets, and cafeterias.
- 8418.69.0130
- 8481.80.9005
- 8481.80.9050
- 8509.40.0030
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CBP's answer: B. B: 8481.80.9005
Section XVI Note 3 classifies a machine performing several functions as the machine that performs the principal function. In this dispenser the solenoid valves control the flow of the water and syrup lines and their activation causes the machine to mix and release the beverage, and the cooling ice is not imported with it. CBP therefore keyed the solenoid valve line, 8481.80.9005 (B).
are to be classified as if consisting only of that component or as being that machine which performs the principal function Section XVI, Note 3
Other appliances: > Other > Solenoid valves 8481.80.90.05
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CBP's key cites: HTSUS 8481.80.9005; General Rules of Interpretation; Section XVI, Note 3
Question and key from CBP's October 2024 exam and answer key. The walk-through is ours; quotes are from the pinned editions in the reference viewer (HTSUS 2026 Basic, 19 CFR 2025 edition).