CLA-2-85:RR:NC:1:110 M81245

Mr. Dennis Bruning
Bruning International
8 Griffin Way
Chelsea, MA 02150

RE: The tariff classification of connectors and parts from China and Ireland.

Dear Mr. Bruning:

In your letter dated March 8, 2006 on behalf of your client Anderson Power Products (APP), you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise under consideration consists of two connector housings, one complete connector set and one printed circuit connector. Samples of all four items were submitted with your ruling request.

The two connector housings are identified as SBX® 350 and SBE® 320. The SB® Series connectors are multipole connectors designed for use where the convenience of quick connect and disconnect means are required. The SBX® and SBE® are both single-piece housings of molded plastic with a pair of stainless steel tension springs. The tension springs are necessary for maintaining pressure on the contacts when installed. The SBX® 350 is the insulated housing used for the completion of APP’s 2 pole quick disconnect rated at 350A and 600V. The SBE® 320 is the insulated housing used for the completion of APP’s 2 pole quick disconnect rated at 320A and 150V. As imported, the housings do not have any contacts or other means of connecting wires. Separate contacts, not furnished, must first be crimped onto the ends of wires, then installed into the housings and securely fastened before use.

The complete connector set is identified as the APP Din Connector 80A Male 10, 16, 25mm (Part No. A80410-0009). This connector is packaged ready for retail sale within a clear plastic bag. This package contains all parts necessary to complete a 2 pole male plug rated at 80A and 150V. As imported, the Din Connector meets the definition of “goods put up in sets for retail sale” under GRI 3(b) and will be classified according to the set’s essential character.

The printed circuit connector is identified as a PowerMod® Three Row – Male. The PowerMod® is a “Right Angle PCB Bracket With Hole & No Latch” (Part No. PM 312 MR1 0 HB). This item is a right angle connector with three rows of four contact pins within an insulated housing. This connector is designed to be permanently soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB). The Right Angle PCB Bracket is rated at 30A and 600V.

The applicable subheading for the PowerMod® Three Row – Male “Right Angle PCB Bracket With Hole & No Latch” (Part No. PM 312 MR1 0 HB) will be 8536.69.4040, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits…for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Coaxial connectors…rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors: Printed circuit connectors.” The general rate of duty will be free.

The applicable subheading for the Din Connector 80A Male 10, 16, 25mm (Part No. A80410-0009) will be 8536.69.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits…for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.7 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the SBX® 350 and SBE® 320 housings will be 8538.90.6000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537: Other: Other: Molded parts.” The general rate of duty will be 3.5 percent ad valorem.

Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.

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 Thomas Campanelli at 646-733-3016.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division