The tariff classification of Reaching Aids from the UnitedKingdom

NY 813853 September 8, 1995 CLA-2-76:S:N:N3:119 813853 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7616.90.5080; 9817.00.96 Ms. Mary E. Wright Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Wright 45 School Street, Second Floor Boston, MA 02108 RE: The tariff classification of Reaching Aids from the United Kingdom Dear Ms. Wright: In your letter dated August 16, 1995, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The articles to be imported are various types of "reachers" or "reaching aids" which are used for retrieving objects beyond an individual's reach or for picking articles off the floor. The reacher basically consists of a long aluminum rod with a handle and trigger mechanism at one end and a spring operated gripping jaw at the other. The reachers appear to be designed primarily for the use of individuals whose ability to move or bend to reach needed objects is substantially and chronically impaired. The applicable subheading for the reaching aids will be 7616.90.5080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for articles of aluminum, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be 5.1 percent. The reaching aids described above are eligible for free entry under the provision for articles specially designed or adapted for the use or benefit of the blind or other physically or mentally handicapped persons... other, in subheading 9817.00.96, HTS. All applicable entry requirements must be met including the filing of form ITA-362P. 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