Modification of HQ 958572; Tape Cassette Cartridges for Lettering Machines; Typewriter or Similar Ribbons, Inked or Otherwise Prepared for Giving Impressions

HQ 958899 February 14, 1996 CLA-2 RR:TC:MM 958899 RFA CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9612.10.10 Mr. Robert Slomovitz Chief, Machinery Branch National Commodity Specialist Division U.S. Customs House 6 World Trade Center New York, NY 10048 RE: Modification of HQ 958572; Tape Cassette Cartridges for Lettering Machines; Typewriter or Similar Ribbons, Inked or Otherwise Prepared for Giving Impressions Dear Mr. Slomovitz: This is in reference to HQ 958572, issued to you on February 5, 1996, in which we determined that various tape cassette cartridges for use with lettering machines which will produce adhesive labels were classifiable as "typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes: [r]ibbons: [o]ther. . . .", under subheading 9612.10.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We have reviewed that ruling and have determined that its holding needs to be modified for the reasons set forth below. Examination of the subject merchandise indicates that one of the spools has "inked" ribbons with a narrow width of 3/8 to ½ inches contained within a plastic cartridge. Therefore, the tape cassette cartridges are classifiable under subheading 9612.10.10, HTSUS, which provides for: "[t]ypewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, whether or not on spools or in cartridges; ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes: [r]ibbons: [m]easuring less than 30 mm in width, permanently put up in plastic or metal cartridges (whether or not containing spools) of a kind used in typewriters, automatic data processing or other machines. . . ." HOLDING: The tape cassette cartridges are classifiable under subheading 9612.10.10, HTSUS, which provides for: typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, measuring less than 30 mm in width, permanently put up in plastic cartridges. The column one, general rate of duty is 2.9 percent ad valorem. HQ 958572, dated February 5, 1996, is modified. Sincerely, John Durant, Director Tariff Classification Appeals Division cc: Port Director, Los Angeles