The tariff classification of a brush from Japan.

NY D81103 August 11, 1998 CLA-2-96:RR:NC:SP:233 D81103 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9603.90.8050 Mr. John F. McManus ITOCHU International Inc. 335 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017 RE: The tariff classification of a brush from Japan. Dear Mr. McManus: In your letter dated August 6, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The submitted sample is a small brush for use in the manufacture of winter weather automobile tires. The brush will be imbedded in the tire itself, in a fashion similar to the imbedding of metal studs in certain snow tires. The bristle portion will protrude from the tire, adding traction to the tire. The brush will absorb water and small ice and snow particles from the road surface and scatter same out of the path of the tire by centrifugal force. The brush bristles are composed of 100% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDE) polymer. The metal top to the brush is composed of stainless steel. The total weight of the brush "stud" is 0.6 grams. The stainless steel portion is 0.2 grams, and the balance (0.4 grams) is plastic. The applicable subheading for the brush will be 9603.90.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other brushes. The rate of duty will be 3.4% 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 Lawrence Mushinske at 212-466-5739. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division