CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 085425 TLS
Ms. Sharon L. Marshall
GP Technologies, Inc.
160 Meister Avenue
Somerville, New Jersey 08876
RE: Computer terminal screen shield
Dear Ms. Marshall:
You request a ruling on the proper classification of a
computer terminal screen shield under the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA). Your letter
dated August 7, 1989 has been submitted to this office for a
reply.
FACTS:
The computer terminal screen shield consists of a molded ABS
plastic frame to which is attached a woven polyester mesh
material which has been chemically etched and covered with a
nickel metallic coating. The shield is rectangular and can range
in size from approximately 8 3/4" X 12" to 10 3/4" X 13". It is
mounted to the outside front of any computer monitor by means of
velcro tabs. The shield's purpose is to protect computer users
from potentially harmful effects of glare, static electricity,
and electrical and magnetic ELF and VLF transmissions.
ISSUE:
Is the computer terminal screen shield properly classifiable
under the following HTSUSA heading:
5911, HTSUSA, covering textile products and articles for
technical uses, specified in note 7 to [chapter 59].
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) govern the
classification of articles under the HTS. GRI 1 requires us to
classify articles according to the terms of the headings and any
relative section or chapter notes. Note 7(b) of chapter 59
expressly states that heading 5911 applies to textile articles
(other than those of headings 5908 to 5910) of a kind used for
technical purposes. Heading 5911 covers textile articles for
technical uses. The shield is made of polyester mesh fabric
which is covered with a nickel metallic coating. It is intended
to be used as a protective device for computer users against
hazardous glare, static, and electrical and magnetic
transmissions from computer terminals. Being of such physical
composition and usefulness, the shield fits the description of
articles covered under 5911. Thus, we find the computer terminal
screen shield to be an article of textile material for technical
use.
As an article to be used as a part of an electrical
apparatus, the shield might be classifiable under a heading of
section XVI. However, Note 1(e) of section XVI expressly states
that this section does not cover articles of textile material for
technical uses. The note refers us back to heading 5911 for
classification purposes. Therefore, we find that the computer
terminal screen shield is properly classifiable under heading
5911.
HOLDING:
The computer terminal screen shield is classified under
subheading 5911.90.00, HTSUSA, as a textile article for technical
use.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division