CLA-2-29:S:N:N7:239 810660

James J. Lagrosa
Merck & Company, Inc.
One Merck Drive
P.O. Box 100
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-0100

RE: The tariff classification of 2-Butyl-5-Chloro-1H-Imidazole- 4-Carbaldehyde from France.

Dear Mr. Lagrosa:

In your letter dated May 3, 1995 you requested a tariff classification ruling for 2-butyl-5-chloro-1H-imidazole-4- carbaldehyde which you have stated is a late stage intermediate chemical used in the production of the pharmaceutical active, losartan potassium.

The applicable subheading will be 2933.29.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only; nucleic acids and their salts (con.): compounds containing an unfused imidazole ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure: other. The rate of duty will be 7.6 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