RE: The tariff classification of aluminum wire/cable scrap from South Korea

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Commodity Specialist Division One World Trade Center, Suite 51.201 New York, NY 10007 U.S. Customs and Border Protection N364465 September 16, 2026 CLA-2-76:OT:RR:NC:N5:116 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7602.00.0065 Lawrence M. Friedman Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP 303 E. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601 RE: The tariff classification of aluminum wire/cable scrap from South Korea Dear Mr. Friedman: In your letter dated August 21, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, HMA, Inc. The merchandise under consideration is identified as aluminum wire/cable scrap. The scrap is compressed using a hydraulic press or similar equipment and formed into square bales or briquettes. According to your submission, the aluminum cable scrap consists of odd lengths remaining from the ends of spools, cut-offs, and aluminum material that fails to meet applicable specifications or requirements and, due to physical defects, is unsuitable for use by customers. You state the aluminum scrap can only be used for the purposes of remelting and creating new articles. You submitted actual photos showing the aluminum wire scrap in its condition as imported into the United States. Based on the information provided, this office finds that the products meet the Section XV, Note 8(a) definition of waste and scrap. Due to the manufacturing operations, the products have no other use than to be remelted before being made into new billets or otherwise used to produce new products after importation. The applicable subheading for the aluminum wire/cable scrap pressed into bales or briquettes will be 7602.00.0065, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for aluminum waste and scrap: other recyclable aluminum. The general rate of duty will be free. The tariff and rate of duty cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. 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 at https://hts.usitc.gov/current. This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions covering exceptions to such tariffs. For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2. Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP. 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 Neil M. Cohen at neil.cohen@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, (for) James P. Forkan Director National Commodity Specialist Division