CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM:114 D82171
TARIFF NOS.: 9013.80.90, 8541.90.0000
Ms. Mary Gill
Lucent Technologies
P.O. Box 20046
Room GC-C3A23
Greensboro, NC 27420-0046
RE: The tariff classification of components used in
manufacturing laser diode modules from Japan
Dear Ms. Gill:
In your letter dated June 19,1998 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The components are to be used in the manufacture of laser
modules. The components are a semi-isolator, an analyzer, and an
empty housing. The laser modules are used in telecommunications
systems to convert voice or data signals into optical signals
which are sent into optical fibers.
The analyzer functions as a polarizer, which transmits only
one polarization state and absorbs the other polarization state.
The polarizer does this using imbedded silver particles near the
surface of a glass plate. This material is called polarcor.
The semi-isolator works in conjunction with an analyzer to
prevent back reflections. The semi-isolator consists of a
polarizer which produces a plane polarized beam. The beam is
then passed through a faraday rotator, the garnet, which rotates
the plane of polarization by 45 degrees.
The analyzer and the semi-isolator work together within the
laser module to prevent optical reflections from returning to the
laser diode. The polarcor in the analyzer and the garnet in the
semi-isolator are optical elements.
The housing protects the laser diode and provides electrical
and optical pathways to the outside. It is our understanding
that the housing is an empty housing.
The applicable subheading for the semi-isolator and the
analyzer will be 9013.80.90, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for other optical appliances
and instruments; other devices, appliances and instruments. The
rate of duty will be 5.4 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the empty housing
will be 8541.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for parts of diode modules. The
rate of duty will be free.
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. If you have any questions
regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Barbara
Kiefer at 212-466-5685.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division