CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:1:120
Ms. Michele M. Vogrin
T.O.H. International
1055 Hawthorn Drive
Itasca, Illinois 60143
RE: The tariff classification of filtering media and bottle top aspirators with filter media from China
Dear Ms. Vogrin:
In your letter dated September 16, 2010 you requested a tariff classification ruling on 4 samples of filtering media, and a bottle top aspirator separated by one of the filtering media materials. Your samples are being returned to you as requested.
The filtering media made of microporous plastic membrane materials of Chapter 39, HTSUS, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) include: mixed cellulose ester (MCE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), nylon, and polyethersulfone (PES). The MCE membrane separates aqueous solutions to remove trace proteins. The PVDF membrane filters non-aggressive aqueous solutions or mild organic solvents for maximum protein recovery. The Nylon membrane is used to filter organic solvents, and the PES membrane is suitable for pre-filtration of buffers and culture media. The media is imported cut to shapes other than rectangles.
The bottle top aspirators are filtration units consisting of a top and bottom plastic flask separated by one of the aforementioned membrane materials. The top flask is used as a funnel to pour solution through the filter adapter into the bottle.
The applicable subheading for the MCE filtering media and bottle top aspirators with MCE filter media will be 8421.21.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids: For filtering or purifying water. The rate of duty will be free.
The applicable subheading for PVDF, Nylon, and PES filtering media and bottle top aspirators with PVDF, Nylon, and PES filter media will be 8421.29.0065, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids: Other: Other: Other: Other. The 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 Denise Faingar at (646) 733-3010.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division