The tariff classification of hose fittings from China.

NY J82137 March 18, 2003 CLA-2-73:RR:NC:N1:113 J82137 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7326.90.8587 Mr. Larry Ordet Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. The Waterford 5200 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, FL 33126 RE: The tariff classification of hose fittings from China. Dear Mr. Ordet: In your letter dated March 5, 2003, you requested a ruling on behalf of Steel Components, Inc. (SCI) on tariff classification. The samples you provided are Liquid-Tight electrical fittings made of galvanized iron. Included are the LT5090 ½-inch 900 connector, the LT50 ½-inch straight connector and the LT50CL-1C straight connector with external copper grounding lug. The articles connect to flexible hoses that are used to protect electrical wires. Your catalog lists other straight malleable iron connectors, 450 malleable iron connectors, and straight malleable iron connectors with copper grounding lugs. They may have insulated throats. They all have a zinc-plated finish. According to your letter the fittings are specifically used on hoses that are made not made of a single extruded compound, but of many materials. In your letter, you suggest that the items be classified under heading 7325, HTS, as other cast articles of iron or steel, other, other, of cast iron. However in HQ 959315, dated October 1, 1996, et al, “applying a coating of zinc [galvanizing] after the casting process is complete sufficiently advances these articles to the point where they can no longer be considered cast articles of heading 7325.” The applicable subheading for this product will be 7326.90.8587, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other articles of iron or steel, other. The general rate of duty will be 2.9 percent ad valorem. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R.). 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 James Smyth at 646-733-3018. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division