CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:106 805664
George R. Tuttle, Esq.
George R. Tuttle, P.C.
Three Embarcadero Center, Suite 1160
San Francisco, CA 94111
RE: The tariff classification of various
sorters/graders/screeners from England
Dear Mr. Tuttle:
In your letter dated January 11, 1995 on behalf of your
client, Sortex-Scancore you requested a tariff classification
ruling. You enclosed descriptive literature with your request.
This request concerns the classification of Sortex Models
6000, 8200 and 8400 which are used to sort, grade and screen a
large variety of prepared foods. In your correspondence you
state that these models function similarly to Sortex Model 4500
which was classified in Customs Headquarters ruling 086535 of
June 13, 1990 in subheading 8438.60.0000, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machinery
for the preparation of fruits, nuts or vegetables.
Sortex Model 6000 is a wide-belt, full-range color
sorter/grader/screener/rejector. An optical system consisting of
video cameras with selected color filters is used in conjunction
with a powerful lighting pack consisting of fluorescent tubes and
incandescent bulbs. High speed air ejectors, designed to remove
foreign matter and defective food. allow for a high rate of flow.
This model has sorting parameters for up to 20 different
products, allowing for the processing of these goods in their,
dry, frozen or wet condition. Among the products processed by
this machine are breakfast cereals, various diced fruits and
vegetables, frozen diced tomatoes, and other fruits and
vegetables.
Sortex models 8200 and 8400 perform the same basic
sorting/grading/screening operations as the Sortex 6000, but have
varying features. The Sortex 8200 has a 10-inch and 20 high-
speed air ejectors. The Sortex 8400 has a 20-inch conveyor and
40 high-speed air ejectors. Both models perform light
(illuminated) sorting, dark sorting or, simultaneously, both
types of sorting. Typical applications for these models include
the following food products: rice, small grains, peanuts, beans,
dehydrated fruits and vegetables, peas and breakfast cereals.
The applicable subheading for the Sortex models 6000, 8200
and 8400 will be 8438.60.0000, HTS, which provides for machinery
for the preparation of fruits, nuts or vegetables. The rate of
duty will be 2.8 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