CLA-2-90:S:N:N4:114 814040

Mr. Ming H. Xiang
C & A Scientific, Co., Inc.
4253 Allison Circle
Fairfax, Va. 22030

RE: The tariff classification of microscopes, microscope slides, scalpels and oral thermometers from China.

Dear Mr. Xiang:

In your letter dated August 17, 1995, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The microscopes consist of five models; models MRP-01 and MRJ-03 are binocular and models MS-01, MS-2 and MRJ-01 are monocular.

The microscope slides and cover glasses have a general purpose use with microscopes.

The scalpels consist of scalpels with blade and plastic handle, and are also imported separately as scalpel blades and scalpel handles.

The oral thermometers, which are liquid filled triangular glass tubes with permanent gradations, are calibrated in both Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees.

The applicable subheading for the microscopes will be 9011.80.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other compound optical microscopes. The rate of duty will be 7.7 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the microscope slides and cover glasses will be 7017.90.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for laboratory...glassware...other: microscope slides and micro cover glasses. The rate of duty will be 6.7 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the scalpels with blade and plastic handle, scalpel blades and scalpel handles will be 9018.90.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for instruments and appliances, used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences...parts and accessories thereof...other. The rate of duty will be 6.3 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the oral thermometer will be 9025.11.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for liquid-filled clinical thermometers. The rate of duty will be 13.6 percent ad valorem.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 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 212-466-5685.

Sincerely,

Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division