CLA-2-90:S:N:N1:104 859809

Ms. Heidi K. Rollins
The A.W. Fenton Company Inc.
1100 Rarig Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43219-2312

RE: The tariff classification of a concrete compression strength instrument from Italy.

Dear Ms. Rollins:

In your letter dated January 15, 1991 on behalf of Gilson Company of Worthington, Ohio you requested a tariff classification ruling. The "Speedymet" is a portable instrument used to measure concrete compression strength 14 hours after pouring. The figure determined represents the "potential strength" which the concrete mix will reach in 28 days. Wet cement samples are placed in two stainless steel cubes which are inserted in the unit's maturing chamber where a rapid maturing process by steam begins. At the conclusion of this process, the samples are extracted and inserted in the unit's small hydraulic press which crushes the concrete. An electrical transducer measures the force required to crack the sample. The signal from the transducer is processed by the computer and the results are printed out. The computer and printer are housed in the same 8" x 18" x 18" instrument with the maturing chamber and the press.

The applicable subheading for the "Speedymet" will be 9024.80.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machines and appliances for testing the hardness, strength, compressibility, elasticity or other mechanical properties of materials other than metals. The rate of duty will be 4.8 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