DaimlerChrysler Corp. makes and markets motor vehicles. DaimlerChrysler assembled the 1993 and 1994 model years of its trucks at plants in Mexico. Assembly involved sheet-metal components sent from...

DaimlerChrysler Corp. makes and markets motor vehicles. DaimlerChrysler assembled the 1993 and 1994 model years of its trucks at plants in Mexico. Assembly involved sheet-metal components sent from the United States. DaimlerChrysler subjected some of the parts to a complicated treatment process, which included the application of coats of paint to prevent corrosion, to impart color, and to protect the finish. Under federal law, goods or U.S.-made parts that are assembled abroad can CHAPTER 9 The International Legal Environment of Business 259 be imported tariff free. A federal statute provides that painting is “incidental”to assembly and does not affect the status of the goods. A federal regulation states that “painting primarily intended to enhance the appearance of an article or to impart distinctive features or characteristics”is not incidental. The U.S. Customs Service levied a tariff on the trucks. DaimlerChrysler filed a suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenging the levy. Should the court rule in DaimlerChrysler’s favor? Explain. DaimlerChrysler Corp. v. United States, 361 F.3d 1378 (Fed. Cir. 2004).