The tariff classification of a mineral grinding machine from Australia

NY H87910 February 12, 2002 CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:103 H87910 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8474.20.0070 Mr. Adrian McVeigh Hicom International Pty Limited PO Box 22 North Ryde, Sydney NSW 1670 Australia RE: The tariff classification of a mineral grinding machine from Australia Dear Mr. McVeigh: In your letter dated January 4, 2002 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The Hicom ultrafine high intensity grinding mill is used at quarries, mines, and mineral processing installations for wet or dry grinding or attritioning of minerals. The mineral material is fed into the top of the machine’s grinding chamber, which features a steel, elastomer or ceramic lining. Utilizing a unique grinding action produced by the patented high speed nutating motion of the grinding chamber about its vertical axis, the mineral in the chamber tumbles rapidly in a mechanically-induced acceleration field. This acceleration is many times greater than gravity and makes possible a high power input per unit mill volume, and thus a fast grinding rate. The material is then discharged through grated ports arrayed around the periphery of the chamber. The Hicom mill can operate autogenously (rock on rock) or with grinding media for very fine particle production. It is powered by an electric motor and a variable speed drive, and is controlled by means of a programmable logic controller which allows the operator to sequence start-up and shut-down procedures and monitor fault conditions. The Hicom mill is available in various sizes capable of handling volumes of material ranging from 5 to 600 liters, and can produce particles as small as 2 microns. The applicable subheading for the Hicom grinding mill will be 8474.20.0070, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid (including powder or paste) form: crushing or grinding machines: stationary: other. The rate of duty will be free. 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 Alan Horowitz at 646-733-3010. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division