The tariff classification of chemical/steam mixers fromSweden

NY 880444 December 07, 1992 CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 880444 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8419.89.1000 Mr. Walter E. Spiegel Kilpatrick & Cody Suite 800 700 13th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 RE: The tariff classification of chemical/steam mixers from Sweden Dear Mr. Spiegel: In your letter dated November 12, 1992 on behalf of Sunds Defibrator, Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling. Literature furnished with your inquiry indicates that the model MEC single-shaft mixer is used in the cellulosic pulp bleaching process for mixing chemicals and/or steam into medium and high consistency pulp stock. The pulp stock enters the unit's stainless steel mixing chamber through a top vertical inlet, while steam enters the mixing chamber via 4-8 steam inlets located along its outer housing. Bleaching chemicals are added either prior to the mixer or through a connection at the pulp inlet. A motor shaft, comprised of steel journals welded to a steel tube, is used to thoroughly mix the chemicals and/or steam with the pulp stock. After mixing, the stock exits through an outlet on the bottom of the machine. The rotor is powered by an electric motor which may be located at the inlet or outlet end of the mixer. The model MEC mixer is available in four sizes which can process 200 - 900 tons of pulp per day. You also inquired about the model OMA chemical/steam mixer. No literature on this mixer was provided; however, you indicated that it performs the same function but is physically larger than the MEC model mixer. In your letter you stated that, in the United States, 75 percent of these mixers mix only steam and pulp stock. The remaining 25 percent are used to mix both steam and chemicals with the pulp stock. Therefore, the applicable subheading for the model MEC and OMA mixers will be 8419.89.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machinery, plant or laboratory equipment, whether or not electrically heated, for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature such as...steaming...: other machinery, plant or equipment: other: for making paper pulp, paper or paperboard. The rate of duty will be 2.4 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