The tariff classification of a cross axis joint

N204357 March 14, 2012 CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:N1:102 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8483.30.8040, 8483.90.3000, 4016.99.6050 Mr. Gary Wieckowski II ZF Group NAO 15811 Centennial Drive Northville, MI 48168 RE: The tariff classification of a cross axis joint Dear Mr. Wieckowski: In your letter dated February 13, 2012 you requested a tariff classification ruling. Technical drawings and photographs were submitted.The articles in question are described as an inner sleeve, plastic race, steel housing, steel end/closing ring, steel clamping ring and a rubber sealing boot used in the assembly of a cross axis joint. You indicate that a cross axis joint is similar to a ball joint and is used to create a joint between two moving components to provide load transfer while allowing for rotation and oscillation of those components. The joint features a spherical surface which slides within a spherical race. Based on the information made available, the cross axis joint is essentially a housed spherical plain bearing provided for in heading 8483, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Because subject components are solely used as parts of a housed spherical plain shaft bearing, all are provided for as parts of bearing housings and plain shaft bearings, with the exception of the rubber sealing boot. The rubber sealing boot is excluded from heading 8483, because note 1(a) to section XVI of the tariff, which incorporates HTSUS heading 8483, excludes articles of rubber from the section. The applicable subheading for the rubber sealing boot will be 4016.99.6050, HTSUS, which provides for other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber. The rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the steel housing will be 8483.30.8040, HTSUS, which provides for other bearing housings. The rate of duty will be 4.5 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the remaining components will be 8483.90.3000, HTSUS, which provides for other parts of bearing housings and plain shaft bearings. The rate of duty will be 4.5 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 Kenneth T. Brock at (646) 733-3009. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division