CLA-2-73:OT:RR:NC:1:118
Mr. Ryan M. Bennett
Crowell & Moring LLP
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004-2595
RE: The tariff classification of an automotive screw with washer from Japan.
Dear Mr. Bennett:
In your letter dated May 24, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Aisin Holdings of America.
You have described the item as a stainless steel M5 x 0.8 automotive screw with washer, Aisin part number G9159-1750. The Phillips square drive hex head fastener has chamfering on the underside of the head. There is a preassembled captive wave washer and flat washer under the hex head and the fastener is 14 mm long.
The applicable subheading for the stainless steel M5 x 0.8 automotive screw will be 7318.15.6070, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel: threaded articles: other screws and bolts, whether or not with their nuts or washers: other: having shanks or threads with a diameter of less than 6 mm: other: of stainless steel. The duty rate will be 6.2% 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/.
Consideration was given to your suggested classification as a bolt in subheading 7318.15.2061, HTSUS. The automotive screw is an externally threaded fastener capable of being inserted into a hole in assembled parts and mating with a preformed internal thread. Its head design allows for it to be tightened or released by torquing the head. This fastener is a screw known as a sems.
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 Kathy Campanelli at (646) 733-3021.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Russo
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division