NY 865333
Aug. 8, 1991
CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 865333
Mr. Henry Hofheimer
Cable Consultants Corporation
7 Woodland Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538
RE: The tariff classification of SZ cable stranding lines from
Germany
Dear Mr. Hofheimer:
In your letter dated July 11, 1991 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The SZ stranding line is a complete processing line for the
production of flexible electrical cables such as communication
cables, power cables, and fiber optic cables. The processing
machine consists of several sections, including twisters, a tube
accumulator, a caterpillar, a taper, and a jacket extruder. Pay-
off and take-up machines may also be included. In the SZ
stranding method, also known as reverse lay stranding or cabling,
the individual strands are twisted for a number of turns in one
direction and then in the opposite direction. In the transition
area where the lay direction is reversed, the conductors are
practically parallel.
The SZ processing line is available in three separate
configurations, depending on the number and size of the
conductors: double twister, tube accumulator, and split-clamp
caterpillar. The double twister contains a stationary lay plate,
a closing die, two stranding heads (twisters) located at the
entry and exit of an accumulator section, and a torsion lock
capstan. The cable is twisted in alternate directions as it
passes each twister. The tube accumulator consists of a guide
tube located in front of a lay plate, followed by a closing die,
a taping head, and a torsion lock. Both the guide tube and lay
plate rotate in alternate directions, and their rotation is
reversed after two to eight revolutions, thus creating the SZ
stranding pattern. After the cables have been stranded together,
the taping unit applies tape to prevent them from coming apart.
A jacket can then be extruded onto the cable. Both of these
configurations are suitable for stranding multiple bare or
insulated wires of relatively small size. Typical products are
telephone and control cables.
In the split-clamp caterpillar unit, the individual
conductors are fed through a straightening and guiding unit to a
closing die and then to the split-clamp caterpillar. As it
clamps and pulls the cable forward, the carriage of the
caterpillar rotates a pre-determined number of turns in one
direction and then in the opposite direction, thus forming the
stranded cable. This unit is designed for use with heavy
conductors for large power cables.
In your letter you state the SZ line will be imported in a
single shipment. The applicable subheading for the functional
unit formed by the SZ stranding line will be 8479.40.0000,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for rope or cable-making machines. The rate of duty
will be 4.2 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