CBP Finds Conversion of Military Aircraft to Fire Suppression Doesn't Change Country of Origin for Procurement

The country of origin of aircraft manufactured in Brazil and modified in the U.S. so it can be used for fire suppression is Brazil for government procurement purposes, CBP said in a final determination (here). The KC-390 is produced by Embraer in Brazil for use as a medium military aircraft, CBP said. The aircraft are imported and modified in Texas, including by removing electronics systems required for military use and adding components to meet requirements for aerial firefighting. CBP found that, despite the changes, ”the most important systems of the KC-390 will remain intact.” The structural integrity and aerodynamics of the aircraft, such as size and shape and wingspan, will not be changed. Nor will the engine powering the aircraft nor electronics and instruments involved in flying the aircraft be significantly changed, CBP said.