CLA-2-39:S:N:N3G:221 862182
5601.22.0090
Ms. Kay Baitz
Pro-Lab Diagnostics
2111 Sam Bass Road #1200
P.O. Box 503
Round Rock, Texas 78664
RE: The tariff classification of pipettes and swabs from Italy.
Dear Ms. Baitz:
In your letter dated April 3, 1991, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
Three samples were submitted with your request. The first
is a transfer pipette, used in laboratory procedures to transfer
liquid from one vessel to another. The pipette is made of
polypropylene, molded in a one piece construction which forms a
bulb at one end and tapers to a small diameter at the other end.
When the bulb is squeezed and released, the specimen is
aspirated into the tube. These pipettes may be sealed for
freezing or used as transport tubes.
The second sample is a transport swab for laboratory
specimens. It is used to collect specimens from outpatients or
hospital patients for transfer to a laboratory for testing. The
swabs consist of either a metal, wood or plastic shaft, with a
nylon, rayon or cotton tip for collection. The transport swab is
housed in a plastic sleeve and contains a small amount of
preservative type media for maintaining the specimen in a viable
state. Though different types of media will be used, each one
will contain some type of growth media such as agar.
The third sample is a general, or "dry," swab. The
construction and use is similar to the transport swab, but no
media is used with the product.
The applicable subheading for the polypropylene transport pipettes
will be 3926.90.9010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for other articles of plastics...laboratory
ware. The rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the transport swabs, when containing
growth media, will be 3821.00.0000, HTS, which provides for prepared
culture media for development of microorganisms. The rate of duty will
be 5 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the "dry" swabs containing a
tip of cotton will be 5601.21.0090, HTS, which provides for other
articles of wadding, of cotton. The rate of duty will be 7.2
percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the "dry" swabs containing a
tip of rayon or nylon will be 5601.22.0090, HTS, which provides
for other articles of wadding, of man-made fibers. The rate of
duty will be 12.5 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 this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport