CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:103 B84456

Ms. Beth Morris
Serra International, Inc.
One Exchange Place, Suite 401
Jersey City, NJ 07302

RE: The tariff classification of motor operated venetian blinds from Germany

Dear Ms. Morris:

In your letter dated April 21, 1997 on behalf of Architectural Specialties you requested a tariff classification ruling.

With your inquiry you submitted a brochure depicting motor driven, storm-proof venetian blinds. The blinds will be mounted to the exterior windows of hospitals, schools, offices or other residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are designed to protect the building's interior from heat, light, and glare. The slats and the guide rails on which the blinds move will be made of aluminum, while the draw tape and control cord will be made of Trevira. The venetian blinds will be raised and lowered by an electric motor which is operated by a knob or key switch located inside the building.

The applicable subheading for the motorized venetian blinds will be 8479.89.9598, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere (in chapter 84): other machines and mechanical appliances: other: other: other: other. The rate of duty will be 3 percent ad valorem.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Alan Horowitz at 212-466-5494.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Chief, Metals & Machinery Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division