The tariff classification of connectors from Mexico.

N101616 May 11, 2010 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8536.69.8000 Mr. Kenneth P. Moses Stoneridge Electronics North America, Inc. #7-A Zane Grey El Paso, TX 79906 RE: The tariff classification of connectors from Mexico. Dear Mr. Moses: In your letter dated April 15, 2010, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration are the 29-109-01 4 Pin Target Assembly and the 29-110-02 4 Pin Plunger Assembly. They are a mated pair of connectors designed to connect the wiring harness in the sliding door of mini-vans or similarly equipped motor vehicles with the vehicle’s main wiring harness. The 4-Pin Target Assembly is a female connector designed for installation in the door post of a vehicle body. It is comprised of a plastic housing encasing four brass electrical contact pads, each with its own terminal pin which extends out the back of the housing. Each contact pad with terminal pin is electrically isolated from the others, and each will allow for the completion of an individual circuit. The terminal pins are designed to accept a wiring harness fitted with a specific electrical connector; the contact pads are designed to accept the 4 Pin Plunger Assembly. The 4 Pin Plunger Assembly is a male connector designed for installation in the sliding door of a mini-van or similar vehicle. One end of its plastic housing encases four terminal pins which are designed to accept a wiring harness fitted with a specific electrical connector; the other provides four spring-loaded plunger-type electrical terminal pins extending from the face of the device. When the vehicle door is closed, the plungers of the 4 Pin Plunger Assembly come into contact with the contact pads of the 4 Pin Target Assembly, completing four individual electrical circuits. In your ruling request you suggest classification of the 4 Pin Target Assembly and the 4 Pin Plunger Assembly in subheading 8536.69.4050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), providing for other coaxial, cylindrical, rack and panel, ribbon or flat cable connectors. However, these two connectors are not coaxial, cylindrical, rack and panel, ribbon or flat cable connectors. The applicable subheading for the 29-109-01 4 Pin Target Assembly and 29-110-02 Pin Plunger Assembly will be 8536.69.8000, HTSUS, which provides for “Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes) for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V…: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.7 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 Thomas Campanelli at (646) 733-3016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division