CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:110 D84995
Ms. Mary R. Ryan
Emery Customs Brokers
BWI Airport Cargo Building F
Suite 1400
Baltimore, Maryland 21240
RE: The tariff classification of notebook computer subassemblies
from Korea or Taiwan.
Dear Ms. Ryan:
In your letter dated November 17, 1998, on behalf of
Metrobook Computer Corporation, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves personal
computer (PC) notebooks, which are known as the "MetroBook" SLT,
DT/DTM, VL, and LT models. They will be imported in a sub-
assembly format. The PC notebooks imported weigh between 3.2 to
9.9 pounds depending on what model they are. Their dimensions
are between 14.0 inches in width x 10.8 inches in depth x 1.9
inches in height to 12.5 inches in width x 10.0 inches in depth x
1.5 inches in height. At the time of importation, the PC
notebook subassemblies consist of a battery, hard drive bracket,
power cord, modem cable, CD-ROM drive, notebook shelve, and a
manual. A central processing unit chip and hard drive are not
included with the unit.
The subassemblies of these PC notebook computers, in their
imported condition, do not have the "essential character" of a
complete or finished digital processing unit, noting GRI-2(a) of
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and Legal Note (LN) 5(A) to
Chapter 84 of the HTS. Please note also Headquarters Ruling
Letters 951443 and 954411, and NY Ruling Letters C80075 and
B87213.
The applicable subheading for the "MetroBook" SLT, DT/DTM,
VL and LT models PC notebook subassemblies imported without the
central processing unit chip and hard drive will be 8473.30.5000,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for other parts and accessories of the machines of
heading 8471. 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 Art
Brodbeck at 212-466-5490.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division