Honeywell Moves to Unseal Pleadings in Customs Suit on Brake Segments

Honeywell International on June 7 moved to unseal various pleadings in its customs case on the classification of chordal, radial and web brake segments used in aircraft wheel and brake assemblies. The importer moved to unseal its motion for summary judgment and five of seven exhibits accompanying the motion. Honeywell said the government consented to the motion (Honeywell International v. United States, CIT # 17-00256).

The company filed its motion for judgment in March, arguing that its goods fit under Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 8803 and not heading 6307 (see 2403110059). When CBP classified the goods as fitting under heading 6307 in 2017, heading 8803 covered "parts of goods" for aircraft or nonpowered aircraft, while heading 6307 covered "other" fabrics for "other made up articles, including dress patterns."

The five exhibits Honeywell sought to unseal include a deposition from Honeywell engineer Mark Brown, the company's answers to DOJ's interrogatories, Honeywell's patents and two messages from CBP on the products.

Honeywell is still looking to keep two exhibits confidential. One is the engineering specifications for the brake segments and the other is the engineering drawings for the segments.