NY 876440
Aug. 7, 1992
CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 876440
Mr. Robert J. Dombkowski
Donovan Enterprises, Inc.
2951 S.E. Dominica Terrace
Stuart, FL 34997
RE: The tariff classification of cargo control equipment from
Taiwan and Venezuela
Dear Mr. Dombkowski:
In your letter dated July 8, 1992 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
You stated your firm will import a mechanism for an article
you referred to as a Versa-Bar. The Versa-Bar utilizes a notched
rack and pawl gear so that it can be expanded horizontally
between the sidewalls of a cargo trailer in order to prevent the
cargo from shifting as the trailer travels on the road. The
imported article will consist of a notched rack column with a
small metal baseplate, and the pawl unit with an assembled metal
handle. The pawl unit contains a pivoting tongue which engages
the notches on the column in order to extend the device. After
importation another baseplate, a column guide, rubber footpads
and a rubber handle grip will be assembled to the imported
mechanism by your firm to produce a complete Versa-Bar.
In conjunction with the Versa-Bar mechanism, there will also
be imported Butterfly Hoop Clamps. These clamps are used to
attach hoops to the cargo bar to maximize the cargo restraint
provided by the cargo bar. While the Versa-Bar hoops are not
specifically mentioned in your letter, the literature you
submitted also includes a description of the steel hoops. The
hoops are attached to the bar and are held in place by the clamps
as described above.
The imported Versa-Bar mechanism basically constitutes an
unfinished Versa-Bar. Accordingly, the applicable subheading for
the Versa-Bar mechanism will be 8479.89.9099, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other
machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions,
not specified or included elsewhere. The duty rate will be 3.7
percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the Butterfly Hoop Clamps will
be 7326.90.9090, HTS, which provides for other articles of iron
or steel, other. The duty rate will be 5.7 percent ad valorem.
Articles classifiable under subheadings 8479.89.9099 and
7326.90.9090, HTS, which are products of Venezuela are entitled
to duty free treatment under the Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP) upon compliance with all applicable
regulations.
You also submitted a catalog depicting numerous items such
as ratchet handles, hooks, rings, webbing, and track. This
office is limited to issuing tariff classification rulings on a
maximum of five articles. Thus we are unable to provide you with
the tariff classification of the various articles depicted in
this catalog. The Pre-Importation Review Program is intended to
provide an importer with classification advice on numerous
articles. You should contact your local Customs office if you
desire more information on this program.
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