The tariff classification of a rack from China

N036715 September 11, 2008 CLA-2-76:OT:RR:E:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7616.99.5090 Mr. Guohua Yue YueTek 362 Rindge Avenue, Suite 8H Cambridge, MA 02140 RE: The tariff classification of a rack from China Dear Mr. Yue: In your letter dated August 27, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Copies of photographs of the rack were submitted with your letter for our review. The merchandise is described in your letter as a 96-well plate rack made of aluminum alloy (AA 2024). The rack is composed of 93 percent aluminum, 4.5 percent copper, 1.5 percent magnesium and other metals with trace amounts. You indicate in your letter that the rack has 96 same-size apertures (on one side) designed for holding a 96-well plate or tube-strips in scientific research. The 96-well plate or tube-strips are put on top of and removed from the rack by hand. The rack is free standing on a horizontal surface and has no mechanical capability. You indicate that the rack measures approximately 12 cm in length by 8 cm in width by 1.5 cm in height. The applicable subheading for the rack will be 7616.99.5090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of aluminum, other, other, other, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 Ann Taub at (646) 733-3018. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division