Notice of Issuance of Final Determination Concerning Military-Grade Flashlight and Replacement Part, 7752-7754 [E8-2429]

Download as PDF 7752 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / Notices 6700 B Rockledge Drive, MSC 7616, Bethesda, MD 20892–7616, 301–435–1614, aritchie@niaid.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.855, Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research; 93.856, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Applied Toxicological Research and Testing, National Institutes of Health, HHS) NW., Suite 1500N, Washington, DC 20229, 202–344–1060. Dated: January 31, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 08–587 Filed 2–8–08; 8:45 am] Dated: January 31, 2008. Ira S. Reese, Executive Director, Laboratories and Scientific Services. [FR Doc. E8–2432 Filed 2–8–08; 8:45 am] Dated: February, 1, 2008. Jennifer Spaeth, Director, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 08–585 Filed 2–8–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–M BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BILLING CODE 4140–01–M U.S. Customs and Border Protection DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Accreditation and Approval of Inspectorate America Corporation, as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory Bureau of Customs and Border Protection National Institutes of Health AGENCY: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Notice of Closed Meeting rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Special Emphasis Panel; Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award. Date: March 6–7, 2008. Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: The Radisson Governor’s Inn, I–40 at Davis Drive, Exit 280, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Contact Person: Janice B. Allen, PhD, Scientific Review Administrator, Scientific Review Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Nat. Institute of Environmental Health Science, P.O. Box 12233, MD EC–30/Room 3170 B, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919/541–7556. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.115, Biometry and Risk Estimation—Health Risks from Environmental Exposures; 93.142, NIEHS Hazardous Waste Worker Health and Safety Training; 93.143, NIEHS Superfund Hazardous Substances—Basic Research and Education; 93.894, Resources and Manpower Development in the Environmental Health Sciences; 93.113, Biological Response to Environmental Health Hazards; 93.114, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:44 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of accreditation and approval of Inspectorate America Corporation, as a commercial gauger and laboratory. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13, Inspectorate America Corporation, 2 Williams Street, Chelsea, MA 02150, has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils for customs purposes, in accordance with the provisions of 19 CFR 151.12 and 19 CFR 151.13. Anyone wishing to employ this entity to conduct laboratory analyses and gauger services should request and receive written assurances from the entity that it is accredited or approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct the specific test or gauger service requested. Alternatively, inquiries regarding the specific test or gauger service this entity is accredited or approved to perform may be directed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling (202) 344–1060. The inquiry may also be sent to cbp.labhq@dhs.gov. Please reference the Web site listed below for a complete listing of CBP approved gaugers and accredited laboratories. https://cbp.gov/ xp/cgov/import/operations_support/ labs_scientific_svcs/ commercial_gaugers/. DATES: The accreditation and approval of Inspectorate America Corporation, as commercial gauger and laboratory became effective on July 24, 2007. The next triennial inspection date will be scheduled for July 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commercial Gauger Laboratory Program Manager, Laboratories and Scientific Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice of Issuance of Final Determination Concerning MilitaryGrade Flashlight and Replacement Part U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of final determination. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document provides notice that the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a final determination concerning the country of origin of certain militarygrade flashlights and their replacement parts to be offered to the United States Government under an undesignated government procurement contract. Based on the facts presented, the final determination found that the United States is the country of origin of both the subject flashlights and their replacement parts for purposes of U.S. Government procurement. DATES: The final determination was issued on February 5, 2008. A copy of the final determination is attached. Any party-at-interest, as defined in 19 CFR 177.22(d), may seek judicial review of this final determination within 30 days of February 11, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Files, Valuation and Special Programs Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade (202–572–8740). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that on February 5, 2008, pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs Regulations (19 CFR part 177, subpart B), CBP issued a final determination concerning the country of origin of certain military-grade flashlights and their replacement parts to be offered to the United States Government under an undesignated government procurement contract. The CBP ruling number is H017620. This final determination was issued at the request of Energizer Battery, Inc. under procedures set forth at 19 CFR part 177, subpart B, which implements Title III of E:\FR\FM\11FEN1.SGM 11FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / Notices the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2511–18). The final determination concluded that, based upon the facts presented, assembly in the United States of various foreign-origin components with a U.S.origin light emitting diode (LED) substantially transforms both the subject flashlight and its replacement part into products of the United States. Therefore, the country of origin of both the military-grade flashlight and the replacement part is the United States for purposes of U.S. Government procurement. Section 177.29, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.29), provides that notice of final determinations shall be published in the Federal Register within 60 days of the date the final determination is issued. Section 177.30, CBP Regulations (19 CFR 177.30), states that any partyat-interest, as defined in 19 CFR 177.22(d), may seek judicial review of a final determination within 30 days of publication of such determination in the Federal Register. Dated: February 5, 2008. Myles B. Harmon, Acting Executive Director, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade. HQ H017620 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES February 5, 2008. [MAR–02 OT:RR:CTF:VS H017620 HEF] Category: Marking. Mr. Steven P. Sonnenberg, Sonnenberg & Anderson, 300 South Wacker Drive, 12th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606. RE: U.S. Government Procurement; Final Determination; Country of origin of a flashlight and replacement part; 19 CFR. part 177 Dear Mr. Sonnenberg: This is in response to your letter dated September 13, 2007, requesting a final determination on behalf of Energizer Battery, Inc. (‘‘Energizer’’), pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs and Border Protection (‘‘CBP’’) Regulations (19 CFR 177.21 et seq.). Under these regulations, which implement Title III of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (codified at 19 U.S.C. 2511 et seq.), CBP issues country of origin advisory rulings and final determinations on whether an article is or would be a product of a designated country or instrumentality for the purpose of granting waivers of certain ‘‘Buy American’’ restrictions in U.S. law or practice for products offered for sale to the U.S. Government. This final determination concerns the country of origin of a military-grade flashlight and replacement part. We VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:44 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 note that Energizer is a party-at-interest within the meaning of 19 CFR 177.22(d)(1) and is entitled to request this final determination. Confidential treatment for certain business information identified in your request for a final determination will be extended in accordance with your request. Photographs of the flashlight and the replacement part, at various stages of manufacture, were submitted with your request. Facts You advise that Energizer intends to sell the subject flashlight to consumers and to the U.S. military. A subcomponent of the flashlight, the lens head subassembly, may be sold separately as a replacement part for the subject flashlights. You indicate that the flashlight has many features that render it suitable for military use. The flashlight provides long-lasting light emitting diode (‘‘LED’’) lighting and infrared lighting, the latter of which is invisible to the naked eye. It has a heavy-duty design and can withstand the impact of being dropped twenty or more feet. In addition, it can also be clipped to a standard issue military vest. Both the subject military flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly are manufactured in the United States from U.S. and foreignorigin components. The following operations occur within the United States: Assembly of Lens Head Subassembly 1. The LED is manufactured to Energizer’s specifications by a third party in the United States. 2. The LED is mounted to a foreignorigin ‘‘hex board’’ by another third party in the United States and shipped to an Energizer facility in Vermont. 3. A foreign-origin, partially assembled half lens and separate printed circuit board (‘‘PCB’’) are imported to Energizer’s Vermont facility. At the facility, the LED/hex board subassembly is mounted to a heat sink on the half lens with the use of two small screws. 4. Wires are spot soldered to the positive and negative terminals of the LED. 5. The following foreign-origin components are assembled together: a lens reflector, lens, and rubber gasket. 6. The resulting subassembly from step 5 is attached to the LED and half lens to form the lens head subassembly that will be used either in the flashlight or sold separately as a replacement part. 7. The lens head subassembly’s wiring, soldering, and physical connections are inspected. PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7753 Assembly of the Flashlight 1. If the lens head subassembly described above will be incorporated into a finished flashlight, its wires are routed through a foreign-origin plastic body or case to corresponding battery contacts. 2. Foreign-origin gaskets are attached for weatherproofing. 3. The second half of the body or case is attached with six screws. 4. Final testing is performed, which includes the use of devices capable of perceiving infrared light. You explain that all final products undergo testing of their white, red, blue and infrared lights by the use of an infrared detection device. Manufacturing and inspection staff at the Vermont facility will use troubleshooting skills to identify and, if possible, correct any mechanical or electronic deficiencies revealed by the testing. In addition, you state that Energizer has expended significant resources in connection with the design exploration, development, detailing, and modeling of this product in the United States. Issue What are the countries of origin of the flashlight and the replacement part for purposes of U.S. Government procurement? Law and Analysis Pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.21 et seq.), which implements Title III of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (‘‘TAA,’’ codified at 19 U.S.C. 2511 et seq.), CBP issues country of origin advisory rulings and final determinations on whether an article is or would be a product of a designated country or instrumentality for the purpose of granting waivers of certain ‘‘Buy American’’ restrictions in U.S. law or practice for products offered for sale to the U.S. Government. Under the rule of origin set forth at 19 U.S.C. 2518(4)(B): An article is a product of a country or instrumentality only if (i) it is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of that country or instrumentality, or (ii) in the case of an article which consists in whole or in part of materials from another country or instrumentality, it has been substantially transformed into a new and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was so transformed. See also, 19 CFR 177.22(a). In rendering advisory rulings and final determinations for purposes of U.S. Government procurement, CBP applies the provisions of subpart B of E:\FR\FM\11FEN1.SGM 11FEN1 7754 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2008 / Notices part 177 consistent with the Federal Procurement Regulations. See 19 CFR 177.21. In this regard, CBP recognizes that the Federal Procurement Regulations restrict the U.S. Government’s purchase of products to U.S.-made or designated country end products for acquisitions subject to the TAA. See 48 CFR 25.403(c)(1). The Federal Procurement Regulations define ‘‘U.S.-made end product’’ as: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES * * * an article that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States or that is substantially transformed in the United States into a new and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was transformed. 48 CFR 25.003 Therefore, the question presented in this final determination is whether, as a result of the operations performed in the United States, the flashlight and replacement part are substantially transformed into products of the United States. In determining whether the combining of parts or materials constitutes a substantial transformation, the determinative issue is the extent of the operations performed and whether the parts lose their identity and become an integral part of the new article. Belcrest Linens v. United States, 6 Ct. Int’l Trade 204, 573 F. Supp. 1149 (1983), aff’d, 741 F.2d 1368 (Fed. Cir. 1984). If the manufacturing or combining process is a minor one that leaves the identity of the imported article intact, a substantial transformation has not occurred. Uniroyal, Inc. v. United States, 3 Ct. Int’l Trade 220, 542 F. Supp. 1026 (1982). Assembly operations that are minimal or simple, as opposed to complex or meaningful, generally will not result in a substantial transformation. See C.S.D. 80–111, C.S.D. 85–25, C.S.D. 89–110, C.S.D. 89– 118, C.S.D. 90–51, and C.S.D. 90–97. In order to determine whether a substantial transformation occurs when components of various origins are assembled to form completed articles, CBP considers the totality of the circumstances and makes such decisions on a case-by-case basis. The country of origin of the article’s components, the extent of the processing that occurs within a given country, and whether such processing renders a product with a new name, character, and use are primary considerations in such cases. Additionally, facts such as resources expended on product design and development, the extent and nature of post-assembly inspection procedures, and the worker skill required during the VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:44 Feb 08, 2008 Jkt 214001 actual manufacturing process will be considered when analyzing whether a substantial transformation has occurred; however, no one such factor is determinative. You assert that the U.S.-origin LED imparts the essential character to the flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly. In addition to having a high monetary value relative to the other components, it generates the primary light in both products. The LED is manufactured to Energizer’s specifications in order to provide certain desirable characteristics regarding the light’s color, intensity, durability, coverage, and efficiency. You also note that the foreign-origin reflector is engineered to maximize these particular characteristics. You claim that as a result of the manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes performed in the United States, the foreign-origin components undergo a substantial transformation such that both the flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly become products of the United States for purposes of U.S. Government procurement. In Headquarters Ruling Letter (‘‘HRL’’) 563236, dated July 6, 2005, CBP examined whether multi-line telephone sets assembled in Mexico from parts of Mexican and foreign origin were products of Mexico for purposes of U.S. Government procurement. Among the foreign components imported into Mexico for the assembly of the telephone sets were printed circuit assemblies (‘‘PCAs’’) from Malaysia. The handsets, liquid crystal displays, microphone assemblies, and stands incorporated into the telephones were of Mexican origin. In reaching a determination that the telephone sets were products of Mexico, CBP noted that the telephone sets were comprised of certain essential parts (such as the handsets) that were of Mexican origin. Moreover, many of the components lacked any functionality prior to their assembly within the telephone set. In HRL 962528, dated February 18, 2000, CBP considered the eligibility of a rechargeable power failure light for duty free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences. In that case, the power failure light was assembled in Thailand from various Thai and foreign origin components, including a PCB assembled in Thailand. CBP found that the process of assembling various components into a PCB resulted in a substantial transformation of the imported components. Moreover, CBP found that the assembly of the PCB with a bulb holder assembly, a plug blade assembly, PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and the upper and lower housing assemblies to make the finished power failure light substantially transformed the PCB. Based on the totality of the circumstances and consistent with the CBP rulings cited above, we find that the various imported components (individual parts and subassemblies) are substantially transformed as a result of the operations performed in the United States to produce both the replacement lens head subassembly and the finished flashlight. Under each manufacturing scenario, the imported components lose their individual identities and become an integral part of a new article possessing a new name, character, and use. In support of this conclusion, we agree that the U.S.-origin LED imparts the essential character to both the replacement part and the finished product, as it generates the primary light of both products. We also recognize that Energizer has expended significant resources in connection with the design and development of the subject flashlight in the United States. Moreover, the U.S.-origin LED and the labor performed in the United States during the assembly and testing operations represent a majority of the costs associated with the production of both the replacement lens head subassembly and the finished flashlight. Holding Based upon the specific facts of this case, we find that the imported components of the flashlight and replacement lens head subassembly are substantially transformed as a result of the described manufacturing operations performed in the United States. The country of origin of the flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly is the United States. Sincerely, Myles B. Harmon, Acting Executive Director, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade. [FR Doc. E8–2429 Filed 2–8–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5202–N–01] Mortgage and Loan Insurance Programs Under the National Housing Act—Debenture Interest Rates Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\11FEN1.SGM 11FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 28 (Monday, February 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7752-7754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2429]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection


Notice of Issuance of Final Determination Concerning Military-
Grade Flashlight and Replacement Part

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: Notice of final determination.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document provides notice that the Bureau of Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP) has issued a final determination concerning the 
country of origin of certain military-grade flashlights and their 
replacement parts to be offered to the United States Government under 
an undesignated government procurement contract. Based on the facts 
presented, the final determination found that the United States is the 
country of origin of both the subject flashlights and their replacement 
parts for purposes of U.S. Government procurement.

DATES: The final determination was issued on February 5, 2008. A copy 
of the final determination is attached. Any party-at-interest, as 
defined in 19 CFR 177.22(d), may seek judicial review of this final 
determination within 30 days of February 11, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Files, Valuation and Special 
Programs Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade 
(202-572-8740).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that on February 5, 
2008, pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 
part 177, subpart B), CBP issued a final determination concerning the 
country of origin of certain military-grade flashlights and their 
replacement parts to be offered to the United States Government under 
an undesignated government procurement contract. The CBP ruling number 
is H017620. This final determination was issued at the request of 
Energizer Battery, Inc. under procedures set forth at 19 CFR part 177, 
subpart B, which implements Title III of

[[Page 7753]]

the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2511-18).
    The final determination concluded that, based upon the facts 
presented, assembly in the United States of various foreign-origin 
components with a U.S.-origin light emitting diode (LED) substantially 
transforms both the subject flashlight and its replacement part into 
products of the United States. Therefore, the country of origin of both 
the military-grade flashlight and the replacement part is the United 
States for purposes of U.S. Government procurement.
    Section 177.29, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.29), provides that 
notice of final determinations shall be published in the Federal 
Register within 60 days of the date the final determination is issued. 
Section 177.30, CBP Regulations (19 CFR 177.30), states that any party-
at-interest, as defined in 19 CFR 177.22(d), may seek judicial review 
of a final determination within 30 days of publication of such 
determination in the Federal Register.

    Dated: February 5, 2008.
Myles B. Harmon,
Acting Executive Director, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Office of 
International Trade.

HQ H017620

February 5, 2008.

[MAR-02 OT:RR:CTF:VS H017620 HEF]

    Category: Marking.

Mr. Steven P. Sonnenberg, Sonnenberg & Anderson, 300 South Wacker 
Drive, 12th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

RE: U.S. Government Procurement; Final Determination; Country of origin 
of a flashlight and replacement part; 19 CFR. part 177

Dear Mr. Sonnenberg:
    This is in response to your letter dated September 13, 2007, 
requesting a final determination on behalf of Energizer Battery, Inc. 
(``Energizer''), pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs and Border 
Protection (``CBP'') Regulations (19 CFR 177.21 et seq.). Under these 
regulations, which implement Title III of the Trade Agreements Act of 
1979, as amended (codified at 19 U.S.C. 2511 et seq.), CBP issues 
country of origin advisory rulings and final determinations on whether 
an article is or would be a product of a designated country or 
instrumentality for the purpose of granting waivers of certain ``Buy 
American'' restrictions in U.S. law or practice for products offered 
for sale to the U.S. Government.
    This final determination concerns the country of origin of a 
military-grade flashlight and replacement part. We note that Energizer 
is a party-at-interest within the meaning of 19 CFR 177.22(d)(1) and is 
entitled to request this final determination. Confidential treatment 
for certain business information identified in your request for a final 
determination will be extended in accordance with your request. 
Photographs of the flashlight and the replacement part, at various 
stages of manufacture, were submitted with your request.

Facts

    You advise that Energizer intends to sell the subject flashlight to 
consumers and to the U.S. military. A subcomponent of the flashlight, 
the lens head subassembly, may be sold separately as a replacement part 
for the subject flashlights. You indicate that the flashlight has many 
features that render it suitable for military use. The flashlight 
provides long-lasting light emitting diode (``LED'') lighting and 
infrared lighting, the latter of which is invisible to the naked eye. 
It has a heavy-duty design and can withstand the impact of being 
dropped twenty or more feet. In addition, it can also be clipped to a 
standard issue military vest.
    Both the subject military flashlight and the replacement lens head 
subassembly are manufactured in the United States from U.S. and 
foreign-origin components. The following operations occur within the 
United States:

Assembly of Lens Head Subassembly

    1. The LED is manufactured to Energizer's specifications by a third 
party in the United States.
    2. The LED is mounted to a foreign-origin ``hex board'' by another 
third party in the United States and shipped to an Energizer facility 
in Vermont.
    3. A foreign-origin, partially assembled half lens and separate 
printed circuit board (``PCB'') are imported to Energizer's Vermont 
facility. At the facility, the LED/hex board subassembly is mounted to 
a heat sink on the half lens with the use of two small screws.
    4. Wires are spot soldered to the positive and negative terminals 
of the LED.
    5. The following foreign-origin components are assembled together: 
a lens reflector, lens, and rubber gasket.
    6. The resulting subassembly from step 5 is attached to the LED and 
half lens to form the lens head subassembly that will be used either in 
the flashlight or sold separately as a replacement part.
    7. The lens head subassembly's wiring, soldering, and physical 
connections are inspected.

Assembly of the Flashlight

    1. If the lens head subassembly described above will be 
incorporated into a finished flashlight, its wires are routed through a 
foreign-origin plastic body or case to corresponding battery contacts.
    2. Foreign-origin gaskets are attached for weatherproofing.
    3. The second half of the body or case is attached with six screws.
    4. Final testing is performed, which includes the use of devices 
capable of perceiving infrared light.
    You explain that all final products undergo testing of their white, 
red, blue and infrared lights by the use of an infrared detection 
device. Manufacturing and inspection staff at the Vermont facility will 
use troubleshooting skills to identify and, if possible, correct any 
mechanical or electronic deficiencies revealed by the testing. In 
addition, you state that Energizer has expended significant resources 
in connection with the design exploration, development, detailing, and 
modeling of this product in the United States.

Issue

    What are the countries of origin of the flashlight and the 
replacement part for purposes of U.S. Government procurement?

Law and Analysis

    Pursuant to subpart B of part 177, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 
177.21 et seq.), which implements Title III of the Trade Agreements Act 
of 1979, as amended (``TAA,'' codified at 19 U.S.C. 2511 et seq.), CBP 
issues country of origin advisory rulings and final determinations on 
whether an article is or would be a product of a designated country or 
instrumentality for the purpose of granting waivers of certain ``Buy 
American'' restrictions in U.S. law or practice for products offered 
for sale to the U.S. Government.
    Under the rule of origin set forth at 19 U.S.C. 2518(4)(B):

    An article is a product of a country or instrumentality only if 
(i) it is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of that country 
or instrumentality, or (ii) in the case of an article which consists 
in whole or in part of materials from another country or 
instrumentality, it has been substantially transformed into a new 
and different article of commerce with a name, character, or use 
distinct from that of the article or articles from which it was so 
transformed.

See also, 19 CFR 177.22(a).
    In rendering advisory rulings and final determinations for purposes 
of U.S. Government procurement, CBP applies the provisions of subpart B 
of

[[Page 7754]]

part 177 consistent with the Federal Procurement Regulations. See 19 
CFR 177.21. In this regard, CBP recognizes that the Federal Procurement 
Regulations restrict the U.S. Government's purchase of products to 
U.S.-made or designated country end products for acquisitions subject 
to the TAA. See 48 CFR 25.403(c)(1). The Federal Procurement 
Regulations define ``U.S.-made end product'' as:

    * * * an article that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the 
United States or that is substantially transformed in the United 
States into a new and different article of commerce with a name, 
character, or use distinct from that of the article or articles from 
which it was transformed.

48 CFR 25.003
    Therefore, the question presented in this final determination is 
whether, as a result of the operations performed in the United States, 
the flashlight and replacement part are substantially transformed into 
products of the United States.
    In determining whether the combining of parts or materials 
constitutes a substantial transformation, the determinative issue is 
the extent of the operations performed and whether the parts lose their 
identity and become an integral part of the new article. Belcrest 
Linens v. United States, 6 Ct. Int'l Trade 204, 573 F. Supp. 1149 
(1983), aff'd, 741 F.2d 1368 (Fed. Cir. 1984). If the manufacturing or 
combining process is a minor one that leaves the identity of the 
imported article intact, a substantial transformation has not occurred. 
Uniroyal, Inc. v. United States, 3 Ct. Int'l Trade 220, 542 F. Supp. 
1026 (1982). Assembly operations that are minimal or simple, as opposed 
to complex or meaningful, generally will not result in a substantial 
transformation. See C.S.D. 80-111, C.S.D. 85-25, C.S.D. 89-110, C.S.D. 
89-118, C.S.D. 90-51, and C.S.D. 90-97.
    In order to determine whether a substantial transformation occurs 
when components of various origins are assembled to form completed 
articles, CBP considers the totality of the circumstances and makes 
such decisions on a case-by-case basis. The country of origin of the 
article's components, the extent of the processing that occurs within a 
given country, and whether such processing renders a product with a new 
name, character, and use are primary considerations in such cases. 
Additionally, facts such as resources expended on product design and 
development, the extent and nature of post-assembly inspection 
procedures, and the worker skill required during the actual 
manufacturing process will be considered when analyzing whether a 
substantial transformation has occurred; however, no one such factor is 
determinative.
    You assert that the U.S.-origin LED imparts the essential character 
to the flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly. In 
addition to having a high monetary value relative to the other 
components, it generates the primary light in both products. The LED is 
manufactured to Energizer's specifications in order to provide certain 
desirable characteristics regarding the light's color, intensity, 
durability, coverage, and efficiency. You also note that the foreign-
origin reflector is engineered to maximize these particular 
characteristics.
    You claim that as a result of the manufacturing, assembly, and 
testing processes performed in the United States, the foreign-origin 
components undergo a substantial transformation such that both the 
flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly become products of 
the United States for purposes of U.S. Government procurement.
    In Headquarters Ruling Letter (``HRL'') 563236, dated July 6, 2005, 
CBP examined whether multi-line telephone sets assembled in Mexico from 
parts of Mexican and foreign origin were products of Mexico for 
purposes of U.S. Government procurement. Among the foreign components 
imported into Mexico for the assembly of the telephone sets were 
printed circuit assemblies (``PCAs'') from Malaysia. The handsets, 
liquid crystal displays, microphone assemblies, and stands incorporated 
into the telephones were of Mexican origin. In reaching a determination 
that the telephone sets were products of Mexico, CBP noted that the 
telephone sets were comprised of certain essential parts (such as the 
handsets) that were of Mexican origin. Moreover, many of the components 
lacked any functionality prior to their assembly within the telephone 
set.
    In HRL 962528, dated February 18, 2000, CBP considered the 
eligibility of a rechargeable power failure light for duty free 
treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences. In that case, 
the power failure light was assembled in Thailand from various Thai and 
foreign origin components, including a PCB assembled in Thailand. CBP 
found that the process of assembling various components into a PCB 
resulted in a substantial transformation of the imported components. 
Moreover, CBP found that the assembly of the PCB with a bulb holder 
assembly, a plug blade assembly, and the upper and lower housing 
assemblies to make the finished power failure light substantially 
transformed the PCB.
    Based on the totality of the circumstances and consistent with the 
CBP rulings cited above, we find that the various imported components 
(individual parts and subassemblies) are substantially transformed as a 
result of the operations performed in the United States to produce both 
the replacement lens head subassembly and the finished flashlight. 
Under each manufacturing scenario, the imported components lose their 
individual identities and become an integral part of a new article 
possessing a new name, character, and use. In support of this 
conclusion, we agree that the U.S.-origin LED imparts the essential 
character to both the replacement part and the finished product, as it 
generates the primary light of both products. We also recognize that 
Energizer has expended significant resources in connection with the 
design and development of the subject flashlight in the United States. 
Moreover, the U.S.-origin LED and the labor performed in the United 
States during the assembly and testing operations represent a majority 
of the costs associated with the production of both the replacement 
lens head subassembly and the finished flashlight.

Holding

    Based upon the specific facts of this case, we find that the 
imported components of the flashlight and replacement lens head 
subassembly are substantially transformed as a result of the described 
manufacturing operations performed in the United States. The country of 
origin of the flashlight and the replacement lens head subassembly is 
the United States.
    Sincerely,

Myles B. Harmon,
Acting Executive Director, Office of Regulations and Rulings, Office of 
International Trade.
[FR Doc. E8-2429 Filed 2-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
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