The tariff classification of a Ball Screw 3-Axis System from Italy

N084776 December 15, 2009 CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:1:104 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8479.50.0000 Mr. Michael Unsworth Joker Logistics Brokerage 11301 Metro Airport Center Drive Suite 170 Romulus, MI 48174 RE: The tariff classification of a Ball Screw 3-Axis System from Italy Dear Mr. Unsworth: In your letter dated November 18, 2009 on behalf of your client Thierry Corporation, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Model # WR300N is a ball screw 3-Axis System whose features include extreme flexibility, absolute precision and operation repeatability. The desktop robot is based on a three-axis Cartesian system. The system consists of screw axes with high rigidity ball screw linear guides. The load-bearing structure consists entirely of aluminum profiles. The system is governed by an encoder-driven bipolar stepper motor. The working area consists of 320x320x150mm with a maximum payload of 5kg. It has a resolution of 6 µm and weighs 30kg. In your email dated December 10, 2009, you state that as per the importer the Ball Screw 3-axis system at time of importation is not programmed to perform any specific function. Any programming will be done here in the United States. Subsequent to importation, the WR300N can be programmed for various applications, such as dispensing, coating, screwing, milling and drilling, welding and pick and place. The applicable subheading for the Ball Screw 3-axis system will be 8479.50.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, parts thereof: Industrial robots, not elsewhere specified or included. The rate of duty will be 2.5% 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 Patricia O’Donnell at (646) 733-3011. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division