The tariff classification of fiberglass reinforced monofilaments from Korea

N201843 February 24, 2012 CLA-2-39:OT:RR:NC:N4:421 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 3916.90.3000; 5404.19.8080 Mr. Michael Caseley Sea Jet Express Inc. 24 Cokesbury Road, Suite 20 Lebanon, NJ 08833 RE: The tariff classification of fiberglass reinforced monofilaments from Korea Dear Mr. Caseley: In your letter dated January 13, 2012, on behalf of Neptco Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling. Three sample monofilaments made of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) were provided with your letter. These monofilaments, which you identify as “rods,” will be used as strength elements in the manufacture of fiber optic cables. The monofilaments are composed of vinyl ester resin reinforced with glass fibers and produced in a continuous drawing process. The three sample monofilaments measure 1.0 millimeter, 2.0 millimeters and 2.7 millimeters in diameter. The monofilaments that measure 2.0 millimeters and 2.7 millimeters in diameter have taken on the hard rigid character of plastics, although still retaining some ability to be flexed. The monofilament that measures 1.0 millimeter in diameter has a similar firm quality but with a much greater ability to be flexed. The applicable subheading for the FRP monofilaments that measure over 1 millimeter in diameter will be 3916.90.3000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worried but not otherwise worked, of plastics; of other plastics: other: monofilament. The rate of duty will be 6.5 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the FRP monofilaments that measure not over 1 millimeter in diameter will be 5404.19.8080, HTSUS, which provides for synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm…monofilament: other: other. The rate of duty will be 6.9 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 Joan Mazzola at (646) 733-3023. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division