CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:110 D85921
Mr. R. Brian Burke
Rode & Qualey
295 Madison Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10017
RE: The tariff classification of multifunctional digital
copier/printers from Japan.
Dear Mr. Burke:
In your letter dated December 15, 1998, on behalf of Minolta
Corporation, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves the Minolta
model Di520 and Di620 digital copier/printer/scanners. These
multifunctional copier/printers can be connected to ADP machines
either through parallel and/or Ethernet connectors with an
interface card and a Pi6000 print controller. The Ethernet
connection allows the machines to be networked with multiple
computers on an ADP system.
The Minolta Di520 and Di620 multifunctional digital copier/
printer/scanners feature high resolution 600x600 DPI printing,
and 400x400 DPI scanning and copying. The print engines employ a
dual beam laser dry electrostatic copying process. The model
Di520 can print up to 52 pages per minute (ppm) whereas the model
Di620 prints at a speed of 62 ppm. Both machines can reduce
images to 25% or increase images to 400% of the original size.
The Ethernet connection allows the machines to be networked with
multiple computers on an ADP system. The ADP system user can
also control all printer/copier functions from the PC or
workstation.
Although the Di520 and Di620 may be used as "stand alone"
digital copiers, their primary design allows them to serve as
fast network printers for high productivity office environments.
The digital laser print engine of the machines is used both for
printing digital input from the ADP system as well as from the
scanner.
The Minolta Di520 and Di620 digital copier/printer/scanners
are composite goods that appear to have the "essential character"
of an output printer for ADP systems, noting GRI-3(b). It is
noted that similar multifunctional printers were the subject of
NY Ruling Letters D85157 , NY D80267, and NY C83939.
The applicable subheading for the Minolta model Di520 and
Di620 digital copier/printer/scanners will be 8471.60.5100,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for laser printers units, capable of producing more than
20 pages per minute. The rate of duty will be free.
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 Art
Brodbeck at 212-466-5490.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division