The tariff classification of sets of pliers from China.

N089837 January 14, 2010 CLA-2-82:OT:RR:NC:1:118 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8203.20.4000; 8203.20.6030; 8204.12.0000 Mr. Chad Schulz Menard, Inc. 5101 Old Mill Center Eau Claire, WI 54703 RE: The tariff classification of sets of pliers from China. Dear Mr. Shulz: In your letter dated January 5, 2010, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The items subject to this ruling request are three different sets of pliers. You have stated that the pliers in all three sets are made of steel and will be sold as sets in blister packs. The first set is called a 3 Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set (243-6474) and includes three groove joint pliers in 10”, 8” and 6” sizes. The second set is called a 3 Piece Locking Pliers Set (243-6476) and includes three locking pliers in 10”, 7” and 5” sizes. The third set, called a 7 Piece Pliers Set (243-6478), includes the following: 8” groove joint pliers, 6” long nose pliers, 6” diagonal cutting pliers, 7” linesman’s pliers, 7” and 10” locking pliers and a 6” slip joint pliers. The applicable subheading for the 3 Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set (243-6474) will be 8203.20.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof: pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof: other: slip joint pliers. The rate of duty will be 12% ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the 3 Piece Locking Pliers Set (243-6476) will be 8204.12.0000, HTSUS, which provides for hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles, drives and extensions; base metal parts thereof: hand-operated spanners and wrenches, and parts thereof: adjustable, and parts thereof. The rate of duty will be 9% ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the 7 Piece Pliers Set (243-6478) will be 8203.20.6030, HTSUS, which provides for files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof: pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof: other: other (except parts), pliers. The rate of duty will be 12¢/doz. + 5.5% 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 Kathy Campanelli at (646) 733-3021. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division