CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:102 C88892
Mr. Matthew J. Clark
Howrey & Simon
1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2402
RE: Classification of unfinished steel vanes from Japan.
Dear Mr. Clark:
In your letter dated May 22,1998 you requested a tariff classification
ruling on behalf of your client Hitachi Metals America.
The items in question are unfinished steel vanes imported for use as parts
in automotive power steering pumps. Descriptive information and samples were
submitted.
You indicate that the subject vanes are manufactured and exported for sale
to specific end users in the United States. The vanes are engineered to the
specifications required of these end users and are dedicated for use as
impellers for hydraulic fluid pumps. However, in their condition as imported,
the vanes are not ready for direct use as parts of pumps and undergo finish-
grinding prior to final delivery.
In comparing a sample of an unfinished vane to a sample of a finished vane,
we find that the finish-grinding appears to merely polish the surface of the
vane and does not significantly change the shape or dimensions of the unfinished
vane. The unfinished article has the essential character of the finished vane.
The applicable subheading for the unfinished steel vanes will be
8413.91.9050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which
provides for parts of hydraulic fluid power pumps. The rate of duty will be 0.6
percent ad valorem.
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 Kenneth T. Brock at 212-466-5493.
Sincerely,
Robert Swierupski
Chief, Metals and Machinery Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division