CLA-2-87:RR:NC:N1:101 M83267
Mr. Edward F. Juliano, Jr.
360 Massachusetts Avenue
Suite 200
Acton, MA 01720
RE: The tariff classification of the Segway Human Transporter.
Dear Mr. Juliano:
In your letter dated May 23, 2006 you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Segway Inc. of Bedford, New Hampshire.
The Segway Human Transporter is a self-balancing, electrically operated, personal transportation device designed to travel within low speed areas including sidewalks, paths, and bike lanes. Utilizing technology called dynamic stabilization, the Segway HT allows its riders to stand upright while a patented system of gyroscope sensors and multiple onboard microprocessors maintain both the device and the operator’s balance even while standing still. It balances on just two non-tandem wheels. It has a sensor system comprised of five solid-state silicon gyroscopes, and a control system comprised of 10 onboard microprocessors, which in total have three times the power of a typical PC. It has an electric drive system comprised of two brushless servo motors that have a maximum output of 2 HP. It is powered by rechargeable batteries and can travel 8 to 24 miles on a single charge.
The Segway HT is controlled by how the operator leans: side-to-side or forward and backward. It senses this “lean” and turns appropriately.
You state that the gyroscopes and batteries are imported and the Segway is completed in a Foreign Trade Zone and entered into the United States.
The applicable subheading for the Segway HT will be 8711.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars: Other. The 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 Robert DeSoucey at 646-733-3008.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division