CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM:114 C89879
Mr. Mary Ann Markoski
Radiometer America Inc.
810 Sharon Drive
Westlake, Ohio 44145
RE: The tariff classification of a Blood Gas Analyzer from Denmark
Dear Ms. Markoski:
In your letter dated July 6, 1998 you requested a tariff classification
ruling on the ABL 700 Blood Gas Analyzer.
The ABL 700 is a modular analytical device configured to measure pH and
blood gas, and any combination of electrolytes, metabolites and oximetry. The
ABL is designed for use on human arterial, venous, and capillary whole blood and
on expired air. Various parameters can be measured on blood such as acidity,
carbon dioxide tension, oxygen tension and total hemoglobin concentration. Gas
samples, consisting of expired air, can be measured for such parameters as
carbon dioxide tension and oxygen tension.
The ABL 700 incorporates an optical system consisting of a lamp unit, a
hemolyzer containing a cuvette, an optical fiber and a spectrometer. The
principle of operation is that hemoglobins are colored substances which absorb
light; their concentrations are determined by measuring the amount of light they
absorb. The spectrometer is a 128-wavelength spectrometer with a measuring
range of 478-672 nanometers. The ABL 700 also incorporates an electrode system.
The purpose of the reference electrode is to provide a stable, fixed potential
against which other potential differences can be measured.
The applicable subheading for the ABL 700 blood gas analyzer will be
9027.30.40, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for spectrometers, spectrophotometers and spectrographs using optical
radiations (ultraviolet, visible, infrared), electrical. The rate of duty will
be free.
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 Barbara Kiefer at 212-466-5685.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division