CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 883067
Mr. Jeff Hesseltine
A.I. Scientific Co., Inc.
424 Second Street, Suite D
Davis, CA 95616
RE: The tariff classification of laboratory equipment from
Australia
Dear Mr. Hesseltine:
In your letter dated February 17, 1993 you requested a
tariff classification ruling.
The AIM1250 random access autosampler automates the sampling
process for various analytical instruments used in determining
metal and chemical concentrations. The AIM1250 performs no
analytical operations itself; rather, it utilizes a peristaltic
pump and a teflon-coated stainless steel inert sample probe to
repeatedly withdraw specific volumes of material from test tubes
or similar containers of various sizes. Racks containing
anywhere from 1 to 270 sample tubes may be placed in the machine,
while a probe wash cycle prevents cross-sample contamination.
The AIM500 high temperature digestor is employed in
scientific laboratories to heat samples until they are softened
or disintegrated, and thus suitable for analysis in other
instruments. The digestor itself performs no analysis. It is
microprocessor controlled, and thus the rate of heat increase can
be regulated by as little as 1 degree Centigrade per minute.
Further, the microprocessor has automatic shutoff if the program
temperature is exceeded by 30 degrees C. The microprocessor also
can store programs, thereby ensuring repeatability between
digests.
The pH and ion selective electrodes are used to determine
the acid or basic concentration of solutions. A brochure
submitted with your inquiry describes five types of electrodes:
intermediate junction, conventional pH, conventional redox,
specific ion and reference.
The applicable subheading for the AIM1250 random access
autosampler will be 8479.89.9099, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTS), which provides for other machines and
mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified
or included elsewhere...other: other: other. The rate of duty
will be 3.7 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the AIM500 high temperature
digestor will be 8419.89.5075, HTS, which provides for other
machinery, plant or laboratory equipment...for the treatment of
materials by a process involving a change of temperature: other:
other. The rate of duty will be 4.2 percent ad valorem.
Finally, the applicable subheading for the pH and ion
selective electrodes will be 9027.80.4030, HTS, which provides
for other electrical instruments for physical or chemical
analysis. The rate of duty will be 4.9 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 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