Konica Minolta’s MFPs ruled made in Mexico
January 28, 2025
US Customs rules Minerva SSBK printers originate from Mexico, ensuring procurement compliance.
In a recent decision, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ruled that Konica Minolta’s Minerva SSBK multifunction digital printers (MFPs) are of Mexican origin for US government procurement purposes. The determination, based on complex criteria of “substantial transformation,” has implications for compliance under the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) of 1979.
The Minerva SSBK series, intended for mid-to-large office use, involves a multinational manufacturing process. Key subassemblies, including the print head and drum unit, are produced in China with components from Japan and Thailand, while the final assembly takes place in Mexico. Critical components such as the MFP board, image transfer belt unit, and fusing unit are not only installed but also manufactured in Mexico. Additionally, proprietary software, primarily developed in Japan, is integrated during the final stages in Mexico.
CBP’s ruling emphasised the skill-intensive assembly, testing, and calibration conducted in Mexico, which transformed the individual components into a new product with distinct characteristics. The decision drew comparisons to prior cases, including Konica Minolta’s bizhub models, where similar manufacturing and assembly complexities influenced rulings.
The country-of-origin determination underlines the importance of compliance for US government procurement, which prioritises products from the US or designated countries under the TAA. For Konica Minolta, this ruling solidifies the Minerva SSBK MFPs’ eligibility for federal contracts, a significant market for high-performance office equipment.
In a ruling dated June 6, 2024, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determined that Lexmark’s MS/MX and CS/CX series printers are also of Mexican origin for both marking and trade remedy purposes. This decision was based on significant manufacturing changes, including the production of key subassemblies in Mexico, which substantially altered the assembly and functionality of the printers.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Konica Minolta Manufacturing Mexico USA USCBP
