CLA-2:OT:RR:NC:85:112

Mr. Daniel Todoroff
Customer Service Representative
Delmar International Inc.
222 Lake Street Suite 2
Rouses Point, NY 12979

RE: The tariff classification of USB IR Blaster Model IRC0001 from China

Dear Mr. Todoroff:

In your letter dated June 12, 2014 you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Bluestreak Technology. You have noted that the specification sheets provided are confidential, however it is not your intent to request confidential treatment under 177.2(b)(7) of CBP Regulations.

The item in question is described as a USB IR Blaster, which is a programmable USB device that allows a personal computer to control residential devices by converting USB commands into infrared signals that can be received by set top boxes, audio and visual equipment, Blu-Ray players, etc. A typical IR Blaster application is to allow a DVR to automatically change the channel on a satellite receiver to initiate the recording of a specific channel, or to extend infrared signals in order to place remotely controlled devices in another room or at further distances. The IR Blaster IRC0001 can also be connected directly to some “smart” devices in order to obtain the programming necessary for controlling external devices.

You suggested subheading 8529.90.8900, which provides for “parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8525 to 8528; other; other; of television receivers; subassemblies, for color television receivers, containing two or more printed circuit boards or ceramic substrates with components assembled thereon, except tuners or convergence assemblies; other than the components enumerated in additional U.S. note 4 to this chapter.” However, the USB IR Blaster, model IRC0001, is not a part suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8525 to 8528; therefore, heading 8529, HTSUS, is not applicable.

The applicable subheading for the USB IR Blaster Model IRC0001 will be 8543.70.9650, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus…: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.6%.

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 Karl Moosbrugger at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Gwenn Klein Kirschner
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division