The tariff classification of aluminum printing frames made in China

N044024 November 20, 2008 CLA-2-76:OT:RR:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7616.99.5090 Mr. Terry McCracken R.J. McCracken & Son Inc. d.b.a. Supply Chain Solutions 4607 44th Street S.E. Kentwood, MI 49512 RE: The tariff classification of aluminum printing frames made in China Dear Mr. McCracken: In your letters dated September 30, 2008 and October 29, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample of the aluminum frame was submitted for our review. The merchandise is identified in your letter as extruded aluminum frames used in the screen printing industry. You indicated that the items are known in the printing business as printing frames. They are imported in two sizes including frames that measure approximately 24 inches in length by 20 inches in width and 23 inches in length by 31 inches in width. You stated that the items are finished frames at the time of importation. Screen mesh fabric will be glued onto the frames after importation into the United States. The articles will be sold for use in manual screen printing presses. You have proposed classification for the aluminum printing frames under subheading 7616.99.5060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of aluminum, other...castings. This subheading covers all cast articles of aluminum, not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 7616.99.5060, HTSUS, does not cover articles obtained by processes other than casting (i.e. extruding). In your letter dated September 30, 2008, you described the imported items as extruded aluminum frames. Therefore, the frames are excluded from classification in subheading 7616.99.5060, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for the aluminum printing frames will be 7616.99.5090, 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