CLA-2-72:OT:RR:NC:1:117

Mr. Saul Harriman
Soconord Corporation
1115 Goodnight Trail
Houston, TX 77060

RE: The tariff classification of round solid bars from China

Dear Mr. Harriman:

In your letter dated March 12, 2013 you requested a tariff classification ruling. Descriptive literature, pictorial representations and mill test reports were submitted.

The products to be imported are described as round solid alloy steel bars approximately 31 feet in length and ranging in outside diameter from 4 inches to 11.25 inches. You describe these bars as manufactured by hot continuous casting, cold rolled and heat treated. Mill certificates show the material complying with API specification 7-1. After importation they will be further processed into drill collars, pup joints, lift subs and other items used in drilling operations in the oil and gas industry. In your letter you suggest a classification of 7228.60.1060 which is the provision for other bars and rods of other alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, of other alloy steel; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or non-alloy steel: other bars and rods: of tool steel (other than high-speed steel), other. However, the chemical composition submitted for these alloy steel bars does not meet the definition of tool steel as described in Additional U.S. Note 1(e) of Chapter 72 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The applicable subheading for the round solid alloy steel bars will be 7228.60.8000, HTSUS, which provides for other bars and rods of other alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, of other alloy steel; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or non-alloy steel: other bars and rods: other: cold-formed. 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 Mary Ellen Laker at (646) 733-3020.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Russo
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division