CLA-2-29:S:N:N7:238 883371
Mr. Jeffrey O. Brown
R.W. Greeff Co., Inc.
Howard Hall Division
777 West Putnam Avenue Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
RE: The tariff classification of Melatonin (CAS Reg. No. 73-31-
4), in bulk form, from Switzerland
Dear Mr. Brown:
In your letter dated March 10, 1993, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The subject merchandise, Melatonin (N-[2-(5-methoxyindol-3-
yl)ethyl] acetamide), is a hormone of the pineal gland, also
produced by
extrapineal tissues, that lightens skin color in amphibians by
reversing the darkening effect of MSH (melanocyte-stimulating
hormone).
The applicable subheading for the subject merchandise will
be 2937.99.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for hormones, natural or reproduced by
synthesis; derivatives thereof, used primarily as hormones; other
steroids used primarily as hormones: other hormones and their
derivatives; other steroids used primarily as hormones; other:
other: other. The rate of duty will be 3.2 percent ad valorem.
This merchandise may be subject to the regulations of the
Food and Drug Administration. You may contact them at 5600
Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, telephone number (202) 443-
3380.
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