The tariff classification of transmission devices from China

N235547 December 14, 2012 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:108 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8525.50.30 Ms. L. Paulie Nichols Evans and Wood & Co., Inc. Import Manager 900 Town and Country, Ste. 150 Houston, TX 77024 RE: The tariff classification of transmission devices from China Dear Ms. Nichols: In your letter received by this office on November 19, 2012, on behalf of the Jasco Products Company, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples are being returned as requested. The subject merchandise, based on the samples and the information provided, is transmission devices, known as baluns, which are identified as the video/stereo audio CAT5 extender box (item number A-1221x2) and the in-wall component video CAT5 extender (item number A-1170PDRJx2), with both models imported and packaged in pairs. It is noted that item number A-1221x2 has three jacks with the red and white jacks conveying the audio signals, while the yellow jack conveys the video signals; and item number A-1170PDRJx2 also has three jacks (the green, blue, and red) with all three connections carrying the video signals. These devices, which are designed for the specific task of carrying audio/video signals between two apparatuses, function as follows: the first balun receives signals, originating from such sources as a VCR or camera, from the component video cable (with red, green and blue jacks) or the audio/video cable (with red, white and yellow jacks) and then alters the audio/video signals to signals that the CAT5 cable can properly transmit. The CAT5 cable then transmits the signals, for instance, 500 feet to the second balun, which then alters the signals back to the audio/video signals that the component video cable or the audio/video cable can properly transmit. Consequently, the component video cable or the audio/video cable, which is connected to the second balun, then transmits the signals, for instance, to a big screen television or another audio/video display device. These devices can be used in various locations, for example, in restaurants or in large business complexes to run surveillance video for security purposes, or in the home to televise sporting events from the living room to the game room. You feel that this merchandise should be properly classified in subheading 8517.62.0050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus: Other. However, it is the opinion of this office that the subject merchandise, which is specially designed for further transmitting audio/video signals from a television-type source, is provided in heading 8525, HTSUS, thereby precluding classification of heading 8517, HTSUS, which excludes transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8525, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for these transmission devices will be 8525.50.30, HTSUS, which provides for Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: Transmission apparatus: Television: Other. The rate of duty will be 1.8 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 Lisa Cariello at (646) 733-3014. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division