CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:101-883907
Mr. James J. Kelly
Wolf D. Barth Co. Inc
7575 Holstein Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153
RE: The tariff classification of a timing belt tensioner from
Brazil and a tripod roller from France
Dear Mr. Kelly:
In your letter dated March 10, 1993, on behalf of INA
Bearings Co., Inc., Fort Mill, SC, you requested a tariff
classification ruling. You have submitted descriptive
literature, copies of blueprints and samples of the products to
be imported.
Item F 65215-100 is a timing belt tensioner that is used
specifically as a component of an automotive engine. The device
is used on automobile engines that require a tensioning device to
prevent the timing belt from jumping a tooth, thereby altering
the timing of the ignition. Your literature shows the belt
tensioner to be a grooved wheel through which a shaft passes
which rotates on bearings, and over which a continuous slotted
band rotates. In setting the proper engine timing, the pulley
wheel is fixed at the required distance from the crank shaft to
enable the belt to remain taut while the wheel turns the belt and
drives the crank shaft at the desired pace. The tensioner pulley
is loosened by means of a lug wrench, the crankcase sprocket is
turned to the proper timing notch, the band is held taut, and the
tensioner pulley is again tightened to maintain this tautness.
Item FC 66692 is a tripod roller that is used specifically
as a component for an automobile front wheel drive unit.
Constant velocity tripod joints are used to ensure a perfectly
uniform power transmission to the drive wheels. Your literature
shows the device is comprised of:
a central drive part or "tripod" with three radial trunions
receiving spherical rollers on needles; this tripod is
mounted
onto the intermediate shaft by splines that will permit
disassembling,
an outer tulip shaped part with a splined extension and a
casing
with slots forming tracks of circular cross section to
receive
the spherical rollers of the tripod and thus ensure
transmission
of torque, rotation with articulation angle, free plunging
and
radial guidance between the two shafts, and
an elastic boot protecting the mechanical parts and
retaining
the lubricant throughout the life of the joint.
The function of the three rollers within each tripod joint
is to permit the transmission of an equal and constant force or
torque (i.e., constant velocity) from the engine, through the
drive shaft, to the wheels as a result of the isostatic
interaction between tripod and tulip. Thus, the drive shaft and
wheels are permitted to turn simultaneously without any lost
motion.
The applicable subheading for the timing belt tensioner
(item F 65215-100) will be 8409.91.9190, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other
parts suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition
internal combustion piston engines: for vehicles of subheading
8701, or heading 8702, 8703 or 8704, other. The rate of duty
will be 3.1 percent ad valorem. Engine parts classified in
subheading 8409.91.9190, which are products of Brazil, are not
eligible for duty free status under the Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP) in accordance with General Note 3(c)(ii)(D),
HTS.
The applicable subheading for the tripod roller (item FC
66692) will be 8708.99.5085, HTS, which provides for other parts
and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705.
The rate of duty will be 3.1 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