The tariff classification of optical fiber cables from Japan

NY R02953 December 14, 2005 CLA-2-85:RR:NC:N1:112 R02953 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8544.70.0000 Tricia Reynolds NNR Global Logistics USA, Inc. 600 Airport South Pkwy Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30349-8609 RE: The tariff classification of optical fiber cables from Japan Dear Ms. Reynolds, In your letter dated December 11, 2005, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Furukawa America, Inc.. The items concerned are insulated, optical fiber cables (2SM-9.2-37.5 and 2SM-16-37.5). The inner wires are made of copper and steel and the optical fibers are individually-sheathed. The cable is composed of power conductors and control conductors as well as the optical fibers. The purpose of the 2SM-9.2-37.5 optical fiber cable is to transmit data/signals from outside television cameras, including Handi-Cams; the purpose of the 2SM-16-37.5 optical fiber cable is to transmit data/signals from stationary television cameras, usually in a studio. Classification of goods in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). GRI 1. states, “ ... classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings ... “. General Note 3. (h) (vi) to the HTS states, “ ... a reference to “headings” encompasses subheadings indented thereunder.”. The applicable subheading for the Optical Fiber Cables (2SM-9.2-37.5 and 2SM-16-37.5) will be 8544.70.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for “ ... optical fiber cables ... : Optical fiber cables”. 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 Richard Laman at 646-733-3017. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division