The tariff classification of marine deck hatches from China

N180156 September 2, 2011 CLA-2-73:OT:RR:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7326.90.8588 Ms. Susan Kohn Ross Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP 11377 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90064-1683 RE: The tariff classification of marine deck hatches from China Dear Ms. Ross: In your letter dated August 11, 2011, on behalf of Universal Motion Components, Co., Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling on four styles of imported marine deck hatches. Photographs/drawings, descriptive literature and specifications for each style of marine deck hatch under consideration were submitted for our review. The marine deck hatches under consideration are identified in your letter as the T-Bolt Style Hatch, the Ullage Style Hatch, the Multi-Dog Style Hatch and the Multi-Dog Combo Hatch. You stated in your letter that “The hatches covered by this ruling request are installed on the decks of barges, commercial fishing boats and some pleasure boats, and provide access to storage tanks and cargo holds via their water-tight doors. They are made of steel, not cast, which may be painted or galvanized, and will be imported as a finished product, fully assembled and ready for installation.” The T-Bolt Style is a flush round hatch available in 18” and 20” sizes, the Ullage Style is a raised round hatch available in 8” and 10” sizes, the Multi-Dog Style is a raised oval hatch available with two different opening sizes and with two or four “dogs” or handles, and the Multi-Dog Combo is a raised oval hatch with ullage. You indicated in your letter that “Certain options are available to the buyer, such as a custom gasket versus the standard gasket, or no gasket, or bronze versus stainless steel hardware, as dictated by the type(s) of chemicals being hauled by, for example, a barge.” The applicable subheading for the marine deck hatches (T-Bolt Style, Ullage Style, Multi-Dog Style and Multi-Dog Combo Hatches) will be 7326.90.8588, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of iron or steel, other, other, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be 2.9 percent ad valorem. Duty rates 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