US-Made iPhone Housing Assembled in China from Japan
Aluminum iPhone housings fabricated in the United States are exported to China where they are assembled with imported electronic components into complete smartphones. The US-made housings retain their physical identity and are only subjected to assembly operations abroad. This qualifies under HTS 9802.00.80 as the components were exported ready for assembly without further fabrication.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Provide detailed documentation proving US origin of components with manufacturing records and export declarations
• Ensure assembly operations abroad are limited to permitted cleaning, lubricating, and painting - no machining or fabrication
• Maintain records showing US components retain physical identity and weren't advanced in value beyond assembly