CLA-2-82:OT:RR:NC:1:118
Ms. Samantha Wiesner
Hubbell Incorporated
701 Millennium Blvd.
Greenville, SC 29607
RE: The tariff classification of a cam ratchet from Canada.
Dear Ms. Wiesner:
In your letter dated August 14, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The submitted sample, part number PT-305531A, is identified as a steel cam ratchet. You have stated that it is part of a hand operated ratchet tool. The tool has two handles and jaws that are designed to crimp connectors used for power distribution. The cam ratchet has gear teeth that engage a drive pawl inside the tool. When the handles of the tool are squeezed, the pawl pushes on the gear teeth and turns the cam ratchet. The cam ratchet then pushes on a roller which forces the jaws of the tool closed.
The applicable subheading for the cam ratchet will be 8205.59.5560, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for handtools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included; blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like, other than accessories for and parts of machine tools; anvils; portable forges; hand- or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base metal parts thereof: other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: other: other: of iron or steel: other: other (including parts). The general rate of duty will be 5.3% ad valorem.
Consideration was given to your proposed classification of 8203.20.8000, HTSUS, which provides for files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof: pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar tools, and parts thereof: other: parts. As per the exemplars listed in Explanatory Note 82.03, subheading heading 8203.20 provides for gripping type tools and their parts. These tools grasp and hold objects. The ratchet tool you have described is solely designed to crimp. Accordingly, classification of the tool and the cam ratchet within subheading 8203.20 would be incorrect.
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 Anthony Grossi at (646) 733-3021.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Russo
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division