Apple, Fitbit Get Tariff Exemptions for Smartwatches, as Does Sonos, Which Doesn’t Make Them

Inconsistencies abound in the List 4A Section 301 tariff exclusions that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative granted to Chinese smartwatch imports classified under the 8517.62.00.90 product code. The exclusions are retroactive to Sept. 1 when the tariffs took effect and expire after one year, said a USTR notice Thursday. The exemptions apply to devices “suitable for wearing on the wrist” with “time-display functions” and the ability to link to a “network." USTR granted exclusions to the Apple Watch and a range of Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers, but also to Tile for a Bluetooth tracking device that has no wrist-worn or time-display component. The Tile device links to a smartphone app for finding misplaced items like keys or glasses. Sonos also landed exemptions for the wireless mesh network speakers and audio components it imports from China under the same 8517.62.00.90 classification as smartwatches. But exclusion requests for wireless speakers from Bose, Sound United and others remain in a Stage 2 administrative review at USTR, as do smartwatches from Fossil. A wide range of additional 8517.62.00.90 goods also remain in a Stage 2 hold, including Apple AirPods and JLab Bluetooth headphones. USTR didn’t comment Friday.