CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 856065
Ms. Susie Porter
The A. W. Fenton Company Inc.
P. O. Box 360614
Columbus, Ohio 43236-0614
RE: The tariff classification of the Microset Steam Profiler and
the Autospec System from West Germany
Dear Ms. Porter:
In your letter dated August 29, 1990 on behalf of ABB
Process Automation, Inc. you requested a tariff classification
ruling.
The Microset Steam Profiler is used to correct variations in
the moisture profile of a paper web during the manufacturing
process by applying steam to the paper. This action raises the
temperature of the paper sheet and softens its fibers, resulting
in improved water removal at the press nip and a denser sheet.
The Steam Profiler is custom designed for assembly into the
fourdrinier or press sections of a papermaking machine, and is
constructed of stainless steel and fiberglass. The unit contains
three zones - a front seal zone, a profiling zone, and a turbo
seal zone. The front and turbo seal zones eliminate steam
leakage from the profile zone. The profile zone is composed of
several compartments which selectively apply the steam across the
paper sheet. Each Steam Profiler comes with mounting brackets;
in addition, a lifting device to retract the unit from the paper
web is included for fourdrinier applications. The Steam Profiler
can be used with sensors and an electronic moisture control
module. However, this ruling covers the Steam Profiler only.
The Autospec System is designed for the inspection of the
sheet surface in a moving paper web. The Autospec System
inspects the entire sheet surface for holes, spots, and streaks.
The system uses CCD (charge coupled device) cameras, which are
mounted above or below the sheet surface. A low energy light is
beamed through the sheet surface (the transmission method) or
reflected off the sheet surface (the light reflection method).
The sheet surface image is focused on the CCD camera and a
reading is taken. The readings are converted into digital
signals for interpretation.
The applicable subheading for the Microset Steam Profiler
will be 8419.89.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for other machinery, plant or
laboratory equipment, whether or not electrically heated, for the
treatment of materials by a process involving a change of
temperature...:for making paper pulp, paper or paperboard. The
rate of duty will be 2.4 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the Autospec System will be
9031.40.0080, HTS, which provides for measuring or checking
instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included
elsewhere...:other optical instruments and appliances. The rate
of duty will be 10 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