The tariff classification of the Paint Analysis System from Germany

NY A87831 October 15, 1996 CLA-2-90:RR:NC:1:114 A87831 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9027.50.4060 Ms. Mary F. Tramontano Hoechst Celanese Corporation Route 202-206 PO Box 2500 Somerville, NJ 08876-1258 RE: The tariff classification of the Paint Analysis System from Germany Dear Ms. Tramontano: In your letter dated September 13, 1996 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The Herberts Fingerprint Scanner is used to measure paint surface properties. The Fingerprint Scanner has three main components: a control unit, a measuring table, and optional software modules. The Fingerprint Scanner allows for a standardized test of automotive paints. One of the properties that can be measured is gloss using photoelectric measurement of reflected light from the surface of test panels. Also measured is orange peel which is the visual impression of the surface appearance of a painted surface based on the structure, the color, the gloss and the haze of the surface. The applicable subheading for the Herberts Fingerprint Scanner paint analysis system will be 9027.50.4060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for instruments and apparatus for physical or chemical analysis (for example, polarimeters, refractometers, spectrometers, gas or smoke analysis apparatus); instruments and apparatus for measuring and checking quantities of heat, sound or light (including exposure meters); other instruments and apparatus using optical radiations (ultraviolet, visible, infrared): electrical; other. The rate of duty will be 3.6 percent ad valorem. 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 Barbara Kiefer at 212-466-5685. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director National Commodity Specialist Division