CLA-2-85:OT:RR:E:NC:1:110

Ms. Charlotte J. Chowning
Jasco Products Company
10 E. Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73114

RE: The tariff classification of component video connectors from Taiwan.

Dear Ms. Chowning:

In your letter dated July 30, 2009, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The item under consideration is a Component Video and Audio Wall Plate, item number 87636. This item consists of 5 pin jack connectors mounted onto a rectangular plastic mounting panel for use in a standard single-gang electrical wall outlet box and a single-gang decora style plastic wall plate. The mounting panel with 5 connectors and wall plate are packaged together in a plastic blister pack ready for retail sale. The Component Video and Audio Wall Plate will be used for in wall connections of audio/video components equipped with component video connections for optimal audio and video transfer.

The five pin jack connectors are often referred to as RCA connectors. The 5 RCA connectors in the Component Video and Audio Wall Plate are individual female RCA connectors secured to the plastic mounting panel by threaded nut. In your letter you suggest classification under 8536.69.4030, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The individual RCA connectors are classified under 8536.69.4030, HTSUS. However, this item features 5 individual panel connectors mounted onto a common panel, which is provided for under heading 8537, HTSUS.

The applicable subheading for the Component Video and Audio Wall Plate, item number 87636 will be 8537.10.9070, HTSUS, which provides for “Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or distribution of electricity…: For a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.7 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