What would you classify as “switching and routing apparatus”? This question relates to the hts classification for importing networking equipment.

US Customs recently split HTS classification number 8517.62.0050. This classification was used for importing a variety of networking hardware (switches, routers, transceivers, Bluetooth devices, hubs, repeaters, WAPs, asset trackers, NICs, etc).

The new codes are 8517.62.0020 for “switching and routing apparatus”

8517.62.0090 for “other” (same description as the old .0059)

Customs is god when it comes to defining what “switching and routing apparatus” means.

What I am trying to do is define switching and routing.

In the broadest sense, customs might include hubs, repeaters/extenders, hotspots, APs in .0020

In the narrowest sense, customs might interpret “switching and routing apparatus” to just mean switches and routers.

How about this: Switching and routing could mean bridging and routing.

Switches are multi port bridges.

WAPs are technically Bridges.

So can WAPs be considered “switching and routing” under any logical interpretation?

If so, how about hotspots?

If not, explain.

Feel free to use OSI language, and Mac/ip address table language or any other technical language.

Thanks!