CLA-2-85:RR:NC:MM:109 C82362

Mr. Jerry P. Craige
Director, Purchasing
CASI-RUSCO
1155 Broken Sound Parkway, N.W.
Boca Raton, FL 33487

RE: The tariff classification of an integrated circuit chip and an induction coil antenna from Switzerland

Dear Mr. Craige:

In your letter dated December 3, 1997, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise is described in your letter as an integrated circuit (IC) chip and an induction coil antenna from Switzerland. Samples were submitted. The IC chips are unmounted (not encapsulated or packaged) in their imported condition. These products are components of an electronic access and egress card. The plastic card material is of U.S. origin. The cards are manufactured in Florida. The manufacturing process involves heating the plastic card material to a soft state and imbedding the components in the plastic. These cards can be used as proximity access and egress cards, and also for use in vending machines of all kinds in place of cash. In a telephone conference, you indicated that the ICs are monolithic, digital, metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) of silicon. They contain memory for storing identifying information, etc. (depending on system). The induction coil antenna introduces inductance into circuit.

The applicable subheading for the induction coil antenna will be 8504.50.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for "[e]lectrical transformers, static converters...and inductors...[o]ther inductors: [o]ther." The rate of duty will be 3% ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the integrated circuit (IC) chip will be 8542.13.8005, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for "[e]lectronic integrated circuits...[m]onolithic digital integrated circuits: [m]etal oxide semiconductors (MOS technology): [o]ther: [u]nmounted chips...[s]ilicon." The rate of duty will be free.

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 Eileen S. Kaplan at 212-466-5673.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division