The tariff classification of an alarm cable from Germany

N248936 January 14, 2014 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8544.42.2000 John M. Strough Import Compliance Coordinator Mohawk Global Logistics Inc. 123 Air Cargo Road North Syracuse, NY 13212 RE: The tariff classification of an alarm cable from Germany Dear Mr. Strough: In your letter dated December 17, 2013, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client John Mezzalingua Associates DBA JMA. The merchandise in question is an alarm cable (Part # TCAAL-RU). It is referred to as the Unitronic FD P Plus multi-conductor, 250 volt, PUR continuous flex industrial unshielded communication cable. It incorporates a circular push/pull multi pin connector on one end and measures 2 meters in length. The alarm cable (Part # TCAAL-RU) is constructed of 14 strands of individually insulated copper wire within an outer jacket of halogen-free polyurethane. This cable is used to transmit alarm message between sensors and a supervision module. The TCAAL-RU cable supports high-speed automated equipment, robotics, multi-axis cutting equipment and other cable track applications. You have proposed classification of this cable within subheading 8517.70.0000, HTSUS, which provides for “Telephone sets…; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data…: Parts.” Legal Note 2 (a) to section XVI, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), provides that parts which are goods included in any of the headings of Chapter 85 are to be classified in their respective headings. Although the alarm cable (Part # TCAAL-RU) may be considered a part of a telecommunication system, it is specifically provided for as a good of heading 8544. Accordingly, the alarm cable (Part # TCAAL-RU) is classified within its respective heading, 8544, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for the alarm cable (Part # TCAAL-RU) will be 8544.42.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Other electric conductors, for voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts: Fitted with connectors: Other: Of a kind used for telecommunications.” 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 Steven Pollichino at (646) 733-3008. Sincerely, Gwenn Klein Kirschner Acting Director National Commodity Specialist Division