CLA-2-29:RR:NC:2:240

Mr. Dirk Seewald
Ferrostaal AG
Hohenzollernstrasse 24
45128 Essen
Germany

RE: The tariff classification of methanol from Argentina

Dear Mr. Seewald:

In your letter dated December 15,2000 and received in this office on March 21, 2001, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

Your request concerns the classification and import requirements for methanol. The use of the methanol was not stated in your letter. Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is classifiable in two tariff provisions. If the methanol is imported for use in producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for the direct use as a fuel, the applicable subheading will be 2905.11.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). The rate of duty will be free upon compliance with all applicable requirements. If the methanol is not used for the above uses, the applicable subheading will be 2905.11.2000, which provides for methanol (methyl alcohol): Other. The duty rate will be 9.2 percent ad valorem.

Articles classifiable under subheading 2905.11.2000, HTS, which are products of Argentina are currently entitled to duty free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) upon compliance with all applicable regulations. The GSP, however, is subject to modification and periodic suspension, which may affect the status of your transaction at the time of entry for consumption or withdrawal from warehouse. To obtain current information on GSP, check the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. At the Web site, click on "CEBB" and then search for the term "GSP". All import requirements may also be found at the website, click on “Importing and Exporting”. . 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 Stephanie Joseph at 212-637-7066.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division