Wireless optical computer mouse with USB nano receiver and adjustable DPI settings

GRI Reasoning

GRI 1 – Heading Determination

Subject article: Wireless optical computer mouse with USB nano receiver and adjustable DPI settings, origin China, unit value $3.40.

The product is a purpose-built pointing-device input unit for automatic data processing (ADP) machines. Under GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and applicable legal notes.

Heading 8471 covers "Automatic data processing machines and units thereof." Chapter 84, Note 5(B) defines a "unit" of an ADP system as one that:

• (i) is of a kind solely or principally used in an ADP system;
• (ii) is connectable to the CPU directly or through one or more other units; and
• (iii) is able to accept or deliver data in a form (codes or signals) usable by the system.

The wireless optical mouse:

• (i) is solely/principally used as an ADP input device;
• (ii) connects to the host computer CPU via the USB nano receiver (USB dongle plugged into the host);
• (iii) delivers X-Y coordinate and click data in digital coded signals usable by the ADP system.

Note 5(D) further specifies that X-Y coordinate input devices satisfying Note 5(C)(ii) and (iii) are in all cases to be classified as units of heading 8471. A computer mouse is the paradigmatic X-Y coordinate input device.

Heading 8526 (radio remote control apparatus) is rejected: the mouse is not general-purpose remote control apparatus; it is exclusively designed for ADP input. CBP consistently overrides 8526 in favor of 8471 for computer mice.

Heading 8543 (electrical machines with individual functions, NES) is rejected: heading 8471 specifically covers ADP input units, so 8543's NES basket does not apply.

GRI 6 – Subheading Determination

Within 8471.60 ("Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing: Other"):

• 8471.60.20.00: Keyboards – not applicable.
• 8471.60.70.00: Units suitable for physical incorporation into ADP machines – not applicable (the mouse is an external peripheral, not physically incorporated).
• 8471.60.80.00: Optical scanners and magnetic ink recognition devices – not applicable.
• 8471.60.90 (Other) → 8471.60.90.50 (Other) – correct basket for a wireless optical mouse.

The 10-digit statistical suffix .50 ("Other") under 8471.60.90.30/.50 is the appropriate code per the supplied HTS rows and CBP ruling N007996 (classifying a cordless mouse as 8471.60.9050).

Duty Analysis

| Column | Rate |

|--------|------|

| General (MFN) | Free |

| Column 2 (Other) | 35% |

Section 301 overlay – 9903.88.03: The footnote on 8471.60.90 references 9903.88.03, which imposes an additional duty of "the duty provided in the applicable subheading + 25%" on articles the product of China (subject to enumerated exclusions). This overlay must be verified with a licensed customs broker or checked against current USTR exclusion lists, but the rate as stated in the supplied evidence is Free + 25% = 25% additional duty for Chinese-origin goods under this heading.

Analogous CBP Rulings

• N007996 (2007): Classified a cordless optical mouse (part of a tablet set) under 8471.60.9050 – directly analogous wireless optical mouse as ADP input unit.
• M86787 (2006): Classified a cordless optical mouse (part of a tablet set) under 8471.60.9090 – same heading/subheading structure.
• N253444 (2014): Classified a wireless LED pen + IR camera module (X-Y coordinate ADP input set) under 8471.60.9050 – confirms X-Y input device classification principle.
• R04489 (2006): Classified wireless mouse and tablet sets under 8471.60.9090 and 8471.60.1095 – confirms wireless mouse = ADP input unit under 8471.60.

Candidate Rejection Summary

| Code | Disposition |

|------|-------------|

| 8471.60.20.00 | Keyboards only – rejected |

| 8543.70.9960 | NES basket; heading 8471 specifically covers ADP input units – rejected |

| 8526.92.0000 | Radio remote control apparatus; mouse is ADP-specific input device per Note 5(D) – rejected |

Commercial Impact Estimate

• Annual units: 20,000; unit value: $3.40 → annual import value ≈ $68,000
• MFN duty: $0 (Free)
• Section 301 (9903.88.03) additional duty: ~25% × $68,000 = ~$17,000/year (verify current applicability and any USTR exclusions)