| name | cbp-binding-ruling |
| title | CBP Binding Ruling Request (19 CFR Part 177) |
| description | Drafts U.S. Customs and Border Protection binding ruling requests under 19 CFR Part 177 for tariff classification, valuation, origin, and marking determinations. Trigger when input mentions "binding ruling," "CBP ruling request," "19 CFR Part 177," "classification request," "HTSUS analysis," "transaction value," "country of origin," or "marking for import." |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/cbp-binding-ruling |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | trade |
| language | en |
| tags | ["drafting","letter","research"] |
CBP Binding Ruling Request (19 CFR Part 177)
Produces a complete, exhibit-backed binding ruling request package for pre-filing U.S. import treatment decisions on classification, valuation, origin, or marking.
Prerequisites
- Confirm the matter is a U.S. import treatment determination appropriate for 19 CFR Part 177.
- Identify requesting party's role and authority (importer / prospective importer / foreign manufacturer / authorized representative).
- Gather transaction evidence: supply chain docs, technical specs, invoices, contracts, prior entries, prior CBP communications.
- Check for related-party pricing, royalty/assist/profit-sharing elements, or prior rulings on similar goods.
- Secure signatory authority; confirm POA scope if acting through counsel/broker.
- Identify any confidential business information requiring redaction.
- Verify no pending protest/litigation or excluded-request conflict with Part 177 scope.
Quick Start
- Screen scope and jurisdiction → validate determination type against Part 177 authority.
- Draft requester/standing section → collect merchandise record → document transaction chain.
- Isolate legal questions (one per issue) → build authority-stack analysis.
- Assemble exhibit index → add certification and confidentiality block.
- Run quality gates → finalize output in template order.
Workflow
1. Scope and Jurisdiction Screen
Validate request type; flag and reframe non-Part 177 matters to non-binding inquiry.
| Determination | Authority | Required Facts |
|---|
| Classification | 19 CFR Part 177, HTSUS + GRI 1–6 | Composition, function, process, alternatives rejected |
| Valuation | 19 USC 1401a, 19 CFR Part 152 | Related-party analysis, transfer pricing, royalties/assists/proceeds |
| Origin/Marking | 19 CFR Part 102 (or agreement appendices) | Manufacturing operations, tariff shift, criteria applied |
| Other | Related Part 177 authority | Issue isolation and requested relief [VERIFY] |
2. Requester and Standing
- Full legal name, principal business address, contact person
- Relationship to merchandise/importation
- Legal authority basis; POA summary if applicable
- Distinguish roles when requester ≠ importer of record
3. Merchandise Record
