NY 859671
FEB 14 1991
CLA-2-73:S:N:N1:117 859671
Mr. Thomas J. Lindmeier
Suite 401, Regency One Building
10050 Regency Circle
Omaha, Nebraska 68114
RE: The tariff classification of cast iron meter swivels and
swivel nuts from Mexico, South Korea and Argentina.
Dear Mr. Lindmeier:
In your letter dated January 7, 1991 on behalf of Central
Plastics, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Representative samples were submitted with your request.
The products to be imported are malleable cast iron meter
swivels and swivel nuts, two-piece connectors or fittings used in
a gas distribution system. These connectors will be threaded and
machined after importation.
The applicable subheading for the malleable cast iron
connectors will be 7307.19.90, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for tube or pipe fittings
(for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves), of iron or steel, cast
fittings, other, other. The rate of duty will be 6.2 percent ad
valorem.
You suggest that these cast iron connectors are classifiable
under HTS subheading 7325.99.10 (other cast articles of iron)
because the term pipe fittings is restricted to articles which
connect two individual pieces of pipe together and the swivel and
swivel nut connect pipe to the gas meter. The Explanatory Notes
to Heading 7307 which covers tube or pipe fittings state that
this heading covers fittings of iron or steel, mainly used for
connecting the bores of two tubes together, or for connecting a
tube to some other apparatus, or for closing the tube aperture.
This heading therefore includes the connectors your client plans
to import.
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