CLA-2-85:S:N:N1:109 863517

8518.40.2000, 8518.50.0000, 8544.41.0000, 8205.70.0090

Mr. R. Stewart Fisher
Wasag USA, Inc.
206 Rodney Building
3411 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810

RE: The tariff classification of three ZEB ground detectors from Germany.

Dear Mr. Fisher:

In your letter dated May 8, 1991, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Your letter states that the ZEB ground detectors (ZEB/HG 1- E, ZEB/HG 1-S, AND ZEB/HG-6U consist of the following components:

1. Amplifier (control panel) which receives impulses from an encumbered life form and transfers and amplifies the signal to an acoustic audible form,

2. The ground sensors which are supersensitive vibratory sensors that, when activated with a battery power source (12V or less), the amplifier will in turn pick up very weak or minute vibrations and magnify the signal,

3. Airborne Sensor which is a very sensitive microphone which can be used as an intercom system to communicate with an encumbered life form--again, via the control panel (amplifier),

4. Headphones used for listening for various signals from the ground and airborne sensors,

5. Cables used to interconnect the geophones/intercom systems to the amplifier. Cables are PVC-coated with a woven stainless steel sheath and an outer PVC-skin for rugged handling,

6. "C" type clamps used for clamping the geophones (sensors) to concrete slab and steel beams--water-air-piping, etc. The ground sensors (geophones ) will detect the slightest movement/vibration and can be amplified more than 100 times the original impulse. Also, the 6U unit incorporates an LCD monitor as a visual aid to assist the rescue team. This can hold and mark the intensity of the vibratory movement in relation to the signal strength.

The applicable subheading for the acoustic ground detector will be 8518.50.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for "Electric sound amplifier sets." The rate of duty will be 4.9 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheadings for the components, imported separately, will be:

subheading 8518.50.000, HTS, for the amplifier (control panel), which provides for "electric sound amplifier sets." The rate of duty will be 4.9 percent ad valorem.

subheading 8518.10.0020, HTS, for the ground sensors, which provides for "microphones." The rate of duty will be 4.9 percent ad valorem.

subheading 8517.81.0010, HTS, for the airborne sensor, which provides for "other telephonic apparatus." The rate of duty will be 8.5 percent ad valorem.

subheading 8518.30.2000, HTS, for the headphones, which provides for "headphones." The rate of duty will be 4.9 per cent ad valorem.

subheading 8544.41.0000, HTS, for the cables, which provides for "other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 80 volts." The rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem.

subheading 8205.70.0090, HTS, for the C-clamps, which provides for "vises, clamps...: other." The rate of duty will be 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