CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM: 114 J86366

Mr. Robert J. Resetar
Customs Manager
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
980 Hammond Drive
Suite 1000
Atlanta, Georgia 30328

RE: The tariff classification of Optical Fiber Harness made in Slovakia

Dear Mr. Resetar:

In your letter dated June 16, 2003, you requested a tariff classification ruling on an Optical Fiber Harness made in Slovakia. A sample of the Optical Fiber Harness was submitted with the ruling request. You have stated in your letter that you do not have a diagram of the exact harness in question. You have supplied our office with a representative diagram from your electronic parts catalog, illustrating similar harnesses. The submitted item is identified in your letter as an Optical Fiber Harness, style number 151. The Optical Fiber Harness is described as a plastic optical, double-stranded harness. The item measures approximately 151 inches in length, with a double connector at one end and two single connectors on the other end. Midway through the length of the harness, one of the strands splits off to a second double connector. The length of the split off is approximately 25 inches in length. You have indicated that the function of this Optical Fiber Harness is to form a connection between the sound system, onboard phone and the Porsche Communications Management System

You have claimed that the Optical Fiber Harness is classified under subheading 8544.70, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). Headquarters Ruling HQ 964883, issued on September 14, 2001, determined that a single strand of plastic optical fiber covered by a plastic jacket is not classifiable as fiber optic cable.

The applicable subheading for the Optical Fiber Harness will be 9001.10.0050, HTS, which provides for optical fibers and optical fiber bundles; optical fiber cables other than those of heading 8544; optical fibers, optical fiber bundles and cables; other; plastic optical fibers. The rate of duty will be 6.7 percent ad valorem.

Your sample is being returned as requested.

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 Barbara Kiefer at 646-733-3019.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division