CLA-2-95:S:N:N7:224 813932
Lucy Richardson
Sony Electronics Inc.
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656-8003
RE: The tariff classification of video game machine from Japan.
Dear Ms. Richardson:
In your letter dated August 17, 1995, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The merchandise is a video game machine known as the Sony
PlayStation (PS-X). It consists of the main unit which has a 32-
bit processor and CD-Rom architecture; a joypad controller with
four top buttons; an AC power cable and stereo AV cable.
The PlayStation PS-X is not being targeted at the multimedia
sector; it is said to be primarily designed, marketed and used to
play video games on a television screen. It can also play an
audio (music) CD. While other video game machines utilize ROM
cartridges, the PlayStation operates solely on CD-ROM.
The applicable subheading for the PlayStation PS-X video
game machine will be 9504.10.0010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTS), which provides for "Articles for arcade,
table or parlor games...; parts and accessories thereof: Video
games of a kind used with a television receiver and parts and
accessories thereof, games." The rate of duty will be free.
You also inquire as to the tariff classification of five
accessories to the PlayStation unit when imported separately.
These items include:
1. A memory card that plugs into the front of the
PLayStation and allows game data to be saved;
2. Additional joypad controller;
3. A cable which can connect two PlayStations together to
play against one another if two TV monitors are present;
4. A mouse with a pad which is recommended for use with
certain games;
5. An RFU adapter which attaches to back of a TV set and
compensates for the lack of a video input.
With the exception of the RFU adapter, these accessories are
said to be designed specifically for use with the PlayStation and
cannot be used elsewhere. Accordingly, the applicable subheading
for the memory card, controller, link combat cable and the mouse
will be 9504.10.0030, HTS, which provides for "Articles for
arcade, table or parlor games...; parts and accessories thereof:
Video games of a kind used with a television receiver..., Parts
and accessories thereof." The rate of duty will be free.
The RFU adapter is classifiable in subheading 8543.80.9890,
HTS, which provides for electric machines and apparatus, having
individual functions...: other machines and apparatus: other,
other. The rate of duty will be 3.6 percent ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport