The tariff classification of an inline GPS signal amplifier from Canada

N207536 March 16, 2012 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8543.70.9610 Cheryl Corbeil – Compliance Manager Cole International 5955 Airport Road Mississauga, L4V 1R9 Canada RE: The tariff classification of an inline GPS signal amplifier from Canada Dear Ms. Corbeil: In your letter dated March 5, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Tallysman Wireless Inc. The item concerned is referred to as the TW120 in-line amplifier. The item incorporates a cylindrical nickel-plated brass, IP67 compliant housing and gold-plated SMA & TNC jack connectors on each end. It measures approximately 59 mm long x 20 mm in diameter. This device has a wide input voltage range (3 to 10 VDC), 50 Ohm port impedance, and is powered by a GPS receiver via the antenna coaxial cable. This amplifier is RoHS compliant. The TW120 in-line amplifier is a narrow band, 25dB gain, in-line amplifier specially designed to tightly filter and boost weak GPS L1 signals, while maintaining low antenna noise figures. The TW120 in-line amplifier would be used when a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver are separated by more than 20 feet of cable and there is a degrading of the signal within the cable that connects them. It would be used in applications such as mast-mount, roof-top and large vehicle installations. The TW120 in-line amplifier is designed to amplify signals in the 1555 to 1590 MHz band. The applicable subheading for the TW120 in-line amplifier will be 8543.70.9610, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus…: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Amplifiers”. The general rate of duty will be 2.6%. 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 Steven Pollichino at (646) 733-3008. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division