Information on Processing of Binding Ruling Requests by CBP’s National Commodity Specialist Division

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that the National Commodity Specialist Division is still accepting requests for binding rulings. However, the evolving situation regarding the declared national emergency on the novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) has affected the processing operations of our Customs Information Exchange branch.

CPB is alerting the trade that paper binding ruling requests and requests that include or necessitate a sample may be delayed in processing and/or issuance. During this time, it is recommended that all ruling requests be made through the use of eRulings (https://erulings.cbp.gov/s/), and include detailed photographs or short videos of the product to be submitted in lieu of samples. However, CBP recognizes that certain commodities require a sample in order for a determination to be made. In such cases, delays may occur. The National Import Specialist assigned to work on your ruling will reach out to you to discuss your options and whether a determination can be made without a sample.