Summary: Assumption: a health/wellness measuring smart ring (HR/HRV/skin temp/sleep/activity), Bluetooth pairing to a phone, no eSIM or independent telephony, not intended for medical diagnosis, possibly imported with a charger case. Under these conditions, the principal function is measurement/checking, while connectivity is ancillary. Therefore, HS 9031.80 is the leading choice. Notably, U.S. CBP classified the Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring in 9031.80.8085, and India’s CAAR held likewise under 9031.80.00—supporting this approach in practice. (CROSS, TaxGuru)
GRI 1: By terms of the headings, when the device’s primary function is measurement/checking of biometric/fitness data, heading 9031 applies.
GRI 3(b): If imported as a set (ring + charging case), the ring imparts the essential character. CBP smartwatch rulings illustrate the set rule application. (Customs Mobile)
GRI 6: At subheading level, absent a more specific subheading, default to 9031.80 (Other).
Section XVI Note 1(m): Articles of Chapter 90 are excluded from Section XVI (which includes heading 8517). Thus, if the ring is covered by Chapter 90, it should not be classified in 8517. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Key determinants (principal use, material, function, composition, set rules):
Principal use/function: Measurement of HR/HRV/skin temp/sleep/steps, etc. (e.g., Galaxy Ring features). (Samsung)
Connectivity: Bluetooth to a host smartphone for data sync/visualization—typically ancillary. (Samsung)
Medical intent: Often not intended for medical diagnosis/treatment (manufacturer disclaimers), weighing against 9018. (Samsung)
Set rule: If shipped with a charging case, ring governs classification (GRI 3(b)). (Customs Mobile)
Exclusions (why other headings are ruled out):
8517 (communications apparatus): Many smartwatches/trackers were placed in 8517.62 where communication predominates (Apple Watch/Fitbit/Garmin precedents). Here, by assumption, measurement predominates; moreover, Section XVI Note 1(m) prevents 8517 if Chapter 90 applies. (Customs Mobile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
9029 (pedometers, etc.): Targets step counters and similar; multi‑sensor biometric rings exceed this scope → 9031 is more appropriate. (Customs Mobile)
9018 (electro‑diagnostic/medical): Requires diagnostic/therapeutic intent; general wellness devices typically fall outside 9018. (Samsung)
9102 (wristwatches): The EU classified certain smartwatches under 9102.12.00 via GRI 3(c) (Reg. 2024/964). A ring is not a watch; the regulation does not cover it. (EUR-Lex)
3) Alternative Candidates (EN Table)
Candidate HS
English Description
Key Reasons
Rebuttal
Confidence (%)
9031.80
Measuring/checking instruments (Other)
Measurement is principal; CBP (Galaxy Smart Ring) & CAAR India support 9031.80 for smart rings. (CROSS, TaxGuru)
Connectivity is ancillary; not a watch nor a medical device.
80
8517.62
Data reception/conversion/transmission apparatus
If communication dominates (many smartwatch/fitness band rulings). (Customs Mobile)
Rings typically measure HR/temperature/sleep; scope too narrow. (Customs Mobile)
5
9018.19/9018.90
Electro‑diagnostic/medical devices
If diagnostic intent/approval exists.
Consumer wellness devices with “not for diagnosis” disclaimers → usually not 9018. (Samsung)
3
7117.90
Imitation jewellery
Ring form factor.
Essential character is electronic measuring apparatus, not ornament.
2
4) Disputes & Caveats
Function drives classification:
Health‑tracking ring (measurement‑centric, Bluetooth only) → 9031.80 (supported by US/India cases). (CROSS, TaxGuru)
Communication‑centric wearables → 8517.62 (numerous smartwatch/fitness band rulings). (Customs Mobile)
NFC‑only/payment/access rings (minimal measurement) → 8517/8543 may come into play depending on construction/function.
EU nuance: Smartwatches can fall under 9102.12.00 (Reg. 2024/964) by GRI 3(c). Rings are not covered by that act, but future EU acts could affect wearables. (EUR-Lex)
Set rule: If imported with a charger, classify as a set under GRI 3(b); the ring imparts the essential character. (Customs Mobile)
Medical claims: If marketed/approved as a medical device, heading 9018 may need reassessment.
5) Additional Information Needed
Brand/model (e.g., Oura Ring, Galaxy Ring)
Sensors & functions (PPG, temp, accelerometer, SpO₂, etc.) and primary intended use
Connectivity (Bluetooth only / NFC payment / eSIM, etc.)
Regulatory status (any medical approvals/claims)
Pack‑in items (charging case, etc.—for set analysis)
Summary (EN) / 要約（英語）: The item shown is a ready‑to‑drink rooibos tea in a 600‑ml PET bottle. It is a non‑alcoholic, non‑carbonated tea beverage—neither a fruit/vegetable juice (2009), nor plain water (2201), nor an extract/concentrate or beverage base (2101). Under HS 2022 it fits heading 22.02 “Other non‑alcoholic beverages”, subheading 2202.99 (Other). Assumptions: no fruit juice or dairy, 0% alc., not a concentrate/syrup; standard RTD tea.
The practical borderline is between 2202.10 (flavoured waters) and 2202.99 (other beverages); in practice, RTD iced‑tea‑type drinks are generally classified under 2202.99.
If the product were a concentrate/syrup or tea extract for making beverages, it would move to 2101; verifying the product form is key.
At 8–10 digit levels, many countries split lines by sugar content, fruit content, dairy, and pack size—detailed specs may be required.
追加で必要な情報 / Additional Information Needed
日本語（JA）：
原材料表示（砂糖・甘味料の有無、果汁・乳成分・カフェイン等の有無）
アルコール分（0%で良いか）
炭酸の有無
Brix（可溶性固形分）や糖分（g/100ml）
製品形態（RTDか、濃縮シロップ／エキスか）
容器容量・用途（小売販売用か）
English (EN):
Full ingredient list (presence/absence of sugar/sweeteners, fruit or dairy, caffeine)
Alcohol content (confirm 0%)
Carbonation (yes/no)
Brix or sugar grams per 100 ml
Product form (RTD vs. concentrate/syrup/extract)
Pack size and intended retail sale
参考資料・出所 / References & Sources
日本語（JA）： WCO解説（第22類・22.02項）、第21類注1、各国実行関税表（JP/EU/USの第2202.99の範囲）、メーカー製品仕様（原材料表示）。 English (EN): WCO Explanatory Notes (Chapter 22, heading 22.02), Chapter 21 Note 1, national tariffs for 2202.99 (JP/EU/US), and the manufacturer’s specification/label.
