CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 870825
8421.19.0000; 8419.39.0080; 9032.89.6030; 8422.30.9090;
8421.21.0000
Ms. Karen Atkinson
Danzas Corporation
P. O. Box 38010
Richmond, VA 23231
RE: The tariff classification of plastic recycling equipment
from Italy
Dear Ms. Atkinson:
In your letter dated January 17, 1992 on behalf of I.F.M.
you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The recycling equipment consists of various machines used
for recycling plastic bottles and similar containers. In a
telephone conversation with a member of my staff on February 18,
1992, Mr. Marc-Udo Broich of Enviroplast, Inc. indicated his firm
is purchasing this equipment and described the machines as
follows:
1. Debaler - a machine which breaks up bales of plastic
bottles
2. Drum - a rotating cylinder containing numerous small
holes used to remove metal caps, stones, and other foreign
material
3. Identification station - a conveyor and electromagnetic
beam sensor which detects PVC containers; once detected, a signal
is sent and the container is ejected via a jet of air
4. Grinder - grinds the bottles into flakes
5. Pre-storage and dosing station - continuously feeds
flakes at a rate of up to 2000 pounds per hour to the succeeding
recycling equipment
6. Delabeler - removes pieces of paper labels from the
flakes by means of air currents generated by cyclones
7. Steeping tank - a tank with an agitator blade for
steeping flakes in hot water and removing PET particles
8. Scraper - removes any glue (used to adhere the label)
which may remain on the flakes by means of a rubbing action
9. Cleaning station - a tank with vibrating conveyors to
wash the flakes
10. Centrifuge and flash dryer - separate machines which
utilize centrifugal action and hot air to remove water and dry
the flakes
11. Control panel - utilizes a programmable logic controller
to monitor and control water temperature, air flow, and other
process variables
12. Storing station - fills bags or boxes with the flakes
for storage or transport purposes
13. Water treatment system - tanks with filters to remove
contaminants before the water is released into a sewer system
Your inquiry indicates that this recycling system will be
imported in three separate shipments. The grinders, as well as
several conveyors for transporting the bottles prior to the
grinding operation, will be purchased in the United States and
not imported.
The applicable subheading for the merchandise described
above under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS) will be as follows:
Article HTS No. Duty Rate
1. Debaler 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
2. Drum 8479.82.0080 3.7% ad val.
3. Identification station 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
4. Pre-storage and dosing station 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
5. Delabeler 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
6. Steeping tank 8419.89.5070 4.2% ad val.
7. Scraper 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
8. Cleaning station 8479.89.9099 3.7% ad val.
9. Centrifuge 8421.19.0000 3.9% ad val.
10. Flash dryer 8419.39.0080 4.2% ad val.
11. Process control panel 9032.89.6030 4.9% ad val.
12. Storing station 8422.30.9090 3.6% ad val.
13. Water treatment system 8421.21.0000 3.9% ad val.
Your inquiry does not provide enough information for us to
give a classification ruling on the piping and structural
components of this merchandise which will be shipped separately.
Your request for a classification ruling should include a
detailed description of these items, including their composition,
physical dimensions, function and operation.
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