CLA-2-96:R:N1:110 814940
Mr. Michael Davis
Alps Electric (USA) Inc.
3553 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95134-1898
RE: The tariff classification of ink ribbon cartridges and ink ribbons from Japan
Dear Mr. Davis:
In your letter dated September 18, 1995, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves a model MTM32 ink ribbon cartridge that is designed for use with a standard thermal printer for desktop computer users. It also includes the spooled ink ribbon itself which is constructed of polyethylene terepthalate.
The model MTM32 ribbon cartridge consists of a plastic cartridge (polystyrene) that is approximately eight inches in length and two inches in height. The cartridge houses a plastic ribbon on a spool, approximately 1/2 inch in width, that is inked and otherwise prepared for giving impressions.
The ink ribbon (M22190-02) is basically a plastic inked ribbon (polyethylene terepthalate) approximately 1/2 inch in width, that is on a plastic spool. This ribbon becomes a part of the ribbon cartridge.
The applicable subheading for the MTM32 ink ribbon cartridge will be 9612.10.1020, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for typewriter or similar ribbons, inked or otherwise prepared for giving impressions, measuring less than 30 mm in width, permanently put up in plastic or metal cartridges (whether or not containing spools) of a kind used in typewriters, automatic data processing or other machines. The rate of duty will be 3.8 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the M221190-02 ink ribbon will be 9612.10.9030, HTS, which provides for thermal transfer printing ribbons of coated polyethylene terepthalate film. The rate of duty will be 8.9 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 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 Arthur Brodbeck at 212-466-5490.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division