CLA-2:CO:R:C:G 082080 PAM 828551
Mr. Robert Barger
R.R. 2 Box 81
Elizabethtown, IL 62931
RE: Tariff classification of a heated ice scraper for
automobile windshields
Dear Mr. Barger:
This is in response to your undated correspondence requesting
a classification ruling on a heated ice scraper from Taiwan.
Your request has been forwarded to Headquarters for disposition.
Our ruling on this merchandise follows.
ISSUE:
Are electric ice scrapers classified as motor vehicle
accessories under subheading 8708.99.5090, Harmonized Tariff
Schedules of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA)?
FACTS:
In Headquarters Ruling Letter 081753 of April 15, 1988 (copy
enclosed), we classified merchandise that was similar, if not
identical, to this ice scraper as electrical articles, not spe-
cially provided for (NSPF), in item 688.4280, Tariff Schedules of
the United States Annotated (TSUSA). The ice scraper analyzed in
our ruling of April 15, 1988, consisted of a plastic hand grip
which houses a scraper and plow blade, a tubular heating element,
and a tension bar. It was designed to draw power from 12 volt
car batteries through a 14 foot electrical cord and an adapter
that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket of automobiles.
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
The application of GRI 1 is paramount in the classification
of accessories. Generally speaking, accessories are articles
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that are not needed to enable the goods with which they are used
to fulfill their intended function. In this instance, the heated
ice scraper enhances the range of uses ordinarily encompassed by
an automobile. This article enables people to clear ice from the
windshields of motor vehicles more quickly and efficiently than
use of built in defrosting mechanisms, provided the vehicle is so
equipped, would ordinarily permit.
The Explanatory Notes to Section XVII, HTSUSA, state that
heading 87.08 covers accessories of motor vehicles provided those
accessories fulfill two requirements. One, they must be
identifiable as being suitable for use solely or principally with
the vehicles of headings 87.01 to 87.05. Two, they must not be
excluded by the provisions of the Notes to Section XVII.
We consider this ice scraper to be principally used with the
vehicles enumerated in heading 87.01 to 87.05. These articles
are specially designed for use with motor vehicles and are not
designed, manufactured, or intended to be used in any other con-
text.
Section Note 2 of Section XVII, HTSUSA, contains a list of
articles which are not considered to be accessories for the pur-
poses of that Section. None of the enumerated articles are in
any way similar to the ice scraper. Therefore, the ice scraper
is not excluded by the provisions of the Notes to Section XVII.
The ice scraper meets both requirements set forth in the Ex-
planatory Notes and is classified as an accessory for motor ve-
hicles under the principal of GRI 1. Since this article is clas-
sified according to GRI 1, we do not need to consider the
applicability of any other rules.
HOLDING:
For the reasons stated above, windshield ice scrapers de-
signed with a heating element that is powered from a 12 volt
power source and adapted for use with automobile cigarette light-
ers are classified under the provision for motor vehicle accesso-
ries under subheading 8708.99.5090. The rate of duty is 3.1
percent ad valorem. This classification represents the present
position of the Customs Service regarding the dutiable status of
the merchandise under the proposed HTSUSA. If there are changes
before enactment this advice may not continue to be applicable.
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The applicable item number from the TSUSA is item 688.4280,
which provides for electrical articles, NSPF, dutiable at the
rate of 3.1 percent ad valorem.
Sincerely,
John Durant
Acting Director
Commercial Rulings Division
6cc: Area Director, New York Seaport
1cc: Area Director, Newark
1cc: Department of Commerce
1cc: John Durant
PAMartin: