CLA-2-87:S:N:N1:102 852576
Mr. Christopher J. Kersting
Trainum, Snowdon, Holland, Hyland & Deane
Suite 500
888 Seventh Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-3964
RE: The tariff classification of automotive tie rod ends from
Germany, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Taiwan and Korea
Dear Mr. Kersting:
In your letter dated May 10, 1990, on behalf of your client,
Automobile International Association, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The items at question are known as tie rod ends. They are
used as structural components in the suspension system for
automobiles. In construction a tie rod end consists of a metal
rod with a ball at the end which swivels within a socket. The
rod is attached to the automobile's steering mechanism and the
socket and housing are attached at the wheel so as to provide
wheel movement for steering.
In your letter you indicated that there had appeared to be
some confusion on the part of various Customs ports that these
components were actually a type of plain shaft bearing and thus
subject to the current anti-dumping margins. The source of this
confusion is the existence of a device called a "rod end" or rod
end bearing. A rod end is a version of a spherical plain shaft
bearing, which is specifically covered by the dumping order.
While a tie rod end does provide pivotal movement, it does not
have the same anti-frictional characteristics as a rod end
bearing.
The applicable subheading for the tie rod end will be
8708.99.5090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for parts of motor vehicles of heading 8701
- 8705, other, other, other . The rate of duty will be 3.1
percent ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport