The tariff classification of catheters, guide wires and sheathes from Ireland, Switzerland, Czech Republic

N238340 March 12, 2013 CLA-2-90:OT:RR:NC:4:405 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9018.39.0050 Ms. Sunny Kim James J. Boyle & Company 1200 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 350 Monterey Park, CA 91754 RE: The tariff classification of catheters, guide wires and sheathes from Ireland, Switzerland, Czech Republic Dear Ms. Kim: In your letter dated February 8, 2013, on behalf of your client Biotronik, Incorporated, you requested a tariff classification ruling. No samples were provided. You are requesting the classification of a Cruiser Catheter Guide Wire, a Streamer Polymer Catheter Guide Wire, a Percutaneous Balloon Catheter, and a Fortress Introducer Sheath. You propose classification under HTSUS 9018.39.0040 for the first three and 9018.39.0050 for the Sheath. Consistent with New York Ruling Letter N202857, dated February 24, 2012, we believe Statistical Suffix 50 is more appropriate for Guide Wires than Statistical Suffix 40. The applicable subheading for the Percutaneous Balloon Catheter will be 9018.39.0040, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for inter alia, catheters, other than rubber catheters. The rate of duty will be Free The applicable subheading for the Cruiser Catheter Guide Wire, the Streamer Polymer Catheter Guide Wire, and the Fortress Introducer Sheath will be 9018.39.0050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for "other" Syringes, needles, catheters, cannulae and the like 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, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division