The tariff classification of I.V. blood pressure transducer/administration sets from Singapore

N180906 September 1, 2011 CLA-2-90:OT:RR:NC:N4:405 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9018.90.8000 Dennis Bennett Biomedical Sales International27472 Portola Parkway, Suite 205-306 Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 RE: The tariff classification of I.V. blood pressure transducer/administration sets from Singapore Dear Mr. Bassett: In your letter dated August 9, 2011, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples were provided. The merchandise at issue consists of what you refer to as disposable hemodynamic medical monitoring kits. The kits consist of reusable blood pressure transducers, venous and thermodilution catheters (which you indicate are also referred to as pulmonary artery catheters), along with subsidiary components associated with the transducers and catheters, such as tubing and spikes. You state that the kits are primarily used in a hospital environment, and are used by medical professionals to establish how well a patient’s heart is performing and determine what quantity of drugs should be administered to the patient to slow the heart rate or speed it up, if necessary. The kits are “also used for blood draw and blood management.” You suggest classification of the kits in 9018.19.5500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for patient monitoring systems. However, while your kits could be used in conjunction with a monitoring system classified in 9018.19.5500, the kits also share characteristics with disposable I.V. administration sets, such as those discussed in Headquarters Ruling Letter, dated December 1, 1995, as well as the blood pressure transducers covered in New York Ruling Letter M86473, dated September 28, 2006. In neither of those instances were the articles at issue classified in 9018.19.5500. The applicable subheading for the hemodynamic medical kits will be 9018.90.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for "other" instruments and apparatus used in medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary sciences, and parts and accessories thereof. The rate of duty will be free. 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 J. Sheridan at (646) 733-3012. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division