CLA-2-85:R:N1:104 814525

Ms. Karen Rojas
Emo Trans CA. Inc.
P.O. Box 92022
Los Angeles, CA 90009

RE: The tariff classification of an automatic pocket maker (heat welding machine) from Germany.

Dear Ms. Rojas:

In your letter dated August 31, 1995 on behalf of Avery Dennison of Pasadena, California you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The Widmann Model TA-HD4e Automatic Pocket Maker is used to make sheet protectors or pockets for papers to be inserted in ring binders. The machine includes a film feed system and a separate switchgear cabinet with central control panel and display. Material webs are continuously unwound under constant tension from roll stands, each with two stations, to the welding head. The welding system uses continuously heated over and under tools electronically controlled to +- 1 degree C. The punching unit is located between the welding head and the cross-cutting station which follows fixed at a 90 degree angle with the material web. A product unloader transfers finished products to stacker trays. The material most commonly used is polypropylene. One side of the pocket is made by folding followed by the heat welding of the other side and the bottom. A reinforcing tape may also be applied after which the holes are punched and the pockets are separated by the cutting unit.

The applicable subheading for the Automatic Pocket Maker will be 8515.80.0080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other electric welding machines and apparatus. The rate of duty will be 1.6 percent.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 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 Robert Losche at 212-466-5670.

Sincerely,

Roger J. Silvestri
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division