The tariff classification of starch trays from West Germany.

NY 848071 JANUARY 05, 1990 CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:105 848071 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8438.20.0000 Mr. Gerhard Treiber Alfred Treiber Holzwarenfabrik GmbH Grenzhofer Weg 19 Heidelberg l, West Germany RE: The tariff classification of starch trays from West Germany. Dear Mr. Treiber: In your letter dated December 12, 1989 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The starch trays are made of beech wood which has been dried to the lowest possible degree of humidity so that they are able to withstand temperatures up to l00 C. and varying moisture conditions. The high temperatures and varying humidities are encountered in the starch molding process. The starch trays function as part of a continuous starch molding plant. Starch molding plants or machines are used to produce jelly beans, gum drops and other starch deposited sweets. In one cycle through the molding machine, a tray which has earlier passed through the machine and has been held in the drying room for several hours or days is fed into the machine, mechanically emptied and refilled with starch. The starch in the tray is then pressed with a master die, which "prints" impressions of the candy drop or other novelty to be molded into the starch. The tray then continues to the depositor section of the machine where the mold impressions are filled with liquid confectionery. After depositing, the trays are stacked in a magazine, which is then removed from the machine and placed in the drying room, where it sets for several hours or days until ready for emptying in another machine cycle. The applicable subheading for the starch trays will be 8438.20.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machinery for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate. The rate of duty will be 3.5 percent ad valorem. 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