CLA-2-82:H:TC:CI:C19 C87444 JM

Mr. Tom Paciaffi

Vice President, Coronet Brokers Corporation

JFK International Airport, Cargo Building 80

Jamaica, NY 11430-0764

RE: The tariff classification of a steel paint roller frame from China

Dear Mr. Paciaffi:

In your letter dated May 1, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Zomax Industries.

The product to be imported is a 3" steel paint roller frame with a plastic handle. Its shank is constructed from heavy duty, quarter-inch wire and the hollow end is threaded to facilitate the use of an extension pole. The paint roller frame is sold by Ningbo Machinery and Equipment Import Export Corporation of Ningbo, China and is designated as Zomax item number 5794.

The applicable subheading for the steel paint roller frame will be 8205.59.5560 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other iron or steel handtools not elsewhere specified or included. The rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 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.

Sincerely,

Paul Rimmer

Port Director

Houston