CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:N1:105
Bo James
Landstar Global Logistics
13410 Sutton Park Drive South
Jacksonville, FL 32224
RE: The tariff classification of a pressure filter from Finland
Dear Mr. James:
In your letter dated February 20, 2026, on behalf of your client, Roxia Inc., you requested a tariff
classification ruling. Descriptive literature was provided for our review.
The item under consideration is described as the Roxia Tower Press (TP) 16, which is a fully automatic,
vertical pressure filter designed for high-performance solid-liquid separation in demanding industries such as
mining, minerals, and chemical processing. The machine features a filtration area that can achieve production
capacities of up to 100 tons per hour. Its horizontal plate design and high-pressure diaphragm technology
ensure uniform cake formation, efficient cake washing, and the production of exceptionally dry filter cakes.
Built with a compact, optimized footprint, the TP16 relocates critical components to the top of the unit to
protect them from debris while maximizing floor space. For enhanced operational efficiency, it integrates
Smart Filtration features via the Roxia Malibu portal, allowing for real-time remote monitoring, performance
analysis, and predictive maintenance. The machine measures 4.3 meters long by 3.8 meters wide by 5.5
meters high and weighs 21.5 tons.
This filtration process begins with the feeding stage, where filter chambers are filled with solids through a
feed port, with typical pressures up to 1.0 MPa and a maximum of 1.6 MPa. Following filtration, a pressing
phase uses pressurized water to compact the cake and expel free water, operating at a controlled maximum
pressure of 1.6 MPa. An optional cake washing step can then be performed, where wash water is introduced
to replace remaining liquid, ensuring an efficient wash ratio, with filtrate exiting through dedicated lines.
Another optional pressing stage, similar to the first, can follow. The process transitions to air drying, where
high-pressure air forces water from cake pores to efficiently lower moisture. During discharge, the filter
depressurizes and the pack opens. A continuous filter cloth then rapidly moves the cake into discharge chutes
for collection. Finally, high-pressure spray nozzles wash the filter cloth during and after discharge before it is
repositioned to maintain openness for the next cycle.
In your letter, you suggest the applicable subheading for the Roxia Tower Press to be 8421.21.0000,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Centrifuges, including
centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof: Filtering
or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids: For filtering or purifying water.” We disagree. The Roxia
Tower Press primarily functions to separate solid minerals from a slurry, rather than to produce filtered or
purified water. Although water is utilized in the process, it is recirculated back into the system for the
creation of new slurry. This operational methodology aligns with the principles outlined in Headquarters
Ruling 958936, dated October 17, 1996.
Accordingly, the applicable subheading for the Roxia Tower Press will be 8421.29.0065, HTSUS, which
provides for “Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for
liquids or gases; parts thereof: Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids: Other: Other:
Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be free.
The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. Duty rates are provided for your convenience
and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided
at https://hts.usitc.gov/.
This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other
charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other
duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the
classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either
the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions
covering exceptions to such tariffs.
For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo
Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies.
The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as
identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the
information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and
complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not
conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.
Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic
verification by CBP.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection
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, please contact
National Import Specialist Jason Christie at [email protected].
Sincerely,
(for)
James Forkan
Designated Official Performing the Duties of the Division Director
National Commodity Specialist Division