NY 871628
Mar. 12, 1992
CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 871628
Mr. Robert J. Cox
A.N. Deringer, Inc.
161 Prescott St.
East Boston, MA 02128
RE: The tariff classification of stair lifts from England
Dear Mr. Cox:
In your letter dated February 6, 1992 on behalf of Stannah
Stairlifts Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Stannah models SL and GL stairlifts are household lifts
designed for elderly and handicapped people who are unable to
climb stairs. The stairlift basically consists of a carriage-
mounted chair which moves on an inclined guide rail installed
along a stairway. The chair incorporates an adjustable
upholstered seat with armrests and a footrest. The seat,
armrests, and footrest fold up when not in use, thus allowing
maximum stair access. Controls to operate the system are mounted
in the armrest, or an optional hand-held remote controller may be
utilized. In addition, landing call switches are mounted at the
top and bottom of the stairs. Safety sensors, located in the
moving carriage, are used to detect obstacles in the path of the
stairlift and automatically bring it to a halt. The model SL is
designed for use on straight stairways. It utilizes extruded
aluminum rails and a worm gear and chain drive powered by an
electric motor. The model GL is intended for installation in
curved stairways, and incorporates steel rails and a rack and
pinion drive system. Both models are capable of accommodating
individuals weighing up to 120 kilograms.
The applicable subheading for the model SL and GL stairlifts
will be 8428.90.0090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for other lifting, handling, loading
or unloading machinery: other machinery: other: other. The rate
of duty will be 2 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