CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:109
Mr. Gustavo E. Cordova
President
Cordova Brokerage International, Inc.
1545 Goodyear Drive
El Paso, Texas 79936
RE: The tariff classification of an automotive wiring harness for a radio antenna from Mexico
Dear Mr. Cordova:
In your letter dated September 25, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Sumidenso Mediatech U.S.A., Inc. A sample of this item was furnished for classification purposes.
The merchandise subject to this ruling is identified in your letter as an AM/FM radio antenna with receiving signal amplifier. The wiring harness is composed of a printed circuit assembly, insulated wiring, clips and connectors. The printed circuit assembly serves as an AM/FM radio signal amplifier. After AM/FM radio broadcasting signals have been received by a separate antenna to the audio system/radio unit in an automobile, the printed circuit assembly (amplifier), contained in a metal box (labeled as Part No. 86300- 48190) within the harness, amplifies the AM/FM radio broadcasting signals and transfers them to the audio system within the vehicle. One end of the metal box/amplifier is connected with wires and a connector to the AM/FM antenna of the vehicle. The other end is connected with wires and a connector to the audio system unit of the vehicle. This harness does not have a built-in antenna nor a tuner, the tuning is accomplished by the radio unit in the vehicle, nor is it capable of transmitting a signal. Its only purpose is to amplify the received AM/FM radio signal and transfer it from the antenna to the audio system unit/radio in the vehicle. This harness is assembled in Mexico.
You suggested that the proper classifications of this merchandise either to fall within subheading 8543.89.9660, 8529.10.9000 or 8529.90.2200 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
The subheading 8543.89.9660 which you provided is not found within the current HTSUS. It is believed that you were referring the subheading 8543.79.9650, which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus…: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Other.” However, the item at issue is a wiring harness with a radio frequency (RF) amplifier. The merchandise is more specifically provided for elsewhere in the tariff. As such, heading 8543 is inapplicable.
You also suggested that the proper classifications of the wiring harness would be within subheadings 8529.10.9000 or 8529.90.2000. Subheading 8529.10.9000 provides for “Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8525 to 8528: Antennas and antenna reflectors of all kinds; parts suitable for use therewith: Other: Other.” Subheading 8529.90.2200 provides for “Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8525 to 8528: Other: Printed circuit assemblies: Other.” As you have stated within your ruling request, the signal is not transmitted by means of electromagnetic waves transmitted through the ether without any line connection. The transmission is wired, thus heading 8525 is not applicable. Heading 8529 is also not applicable, since this item is not a part of an apparatus solely or principally used with an apparatus in heading 8525 through 8528.
The printed circuit assembly within the harness amplifies the AM/FM radio signal from the automobile’s radio and transfers it back to the audio system within the vehicle. These functions are provided for in heading 8517. As such the three subheadings that you suggested are inapplicable.
The applicable subheading for the automotive wiring harnesses for a radio antenna will be 8517.69.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Other apparatus for transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network): Other.” The general rate of duty will be free.
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 Linda M. Hackett at (646) 733-3015.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division