CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:110 872982
Mr. Dennis Heck
Castelazo & Associates
5420 West 104th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90045
RE: The tariff classification of a Process Unit kit for a laser
printer from Japan
Dear Mr. Heck:
In your letter dated March 26, 1992, on behalf of Toshiba
America Information Systems, Inc., you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration consists of a kit that
is designed for use with a model GX400 ADP laser printer. The
process unit kit consists of the following components: the drum
unit; the toner cartridge; the fuser cleaning pad, and a cotton
swab.
The drum unit of this kit with a toner cartridge installed
is called the "process unit". The drum unit is a mechanical
cartridge that includes such components as gears, and the
photoreceptor drum. The toner cartridge fits into the drum unit
but is basically only a container for housing the toner material.
The fuser cleaning pad consists of a felt pad and plastic
holder. The cotton swab consists of cotton wadding material on
a small wooden stick and is used to clean the transfer charger.
The components of this kit are put up in a set for retail
sale and appear to meet the definition of a set as described in
the General Rules of Interpretation, GRI 3 (b). GRI 3 (b)
requires classification of these items as if they consisted of
the component that gives them their essential character. In the
present case, the drum unit, which is classifiable as a
part/accessory of the laser printer, under HTS number
8473.30.4000, imparts the essential character of the set.
The applicable subheading for the process kit will be
8473.30.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for parts and accessories of the machines
of heading 8471 not incorporating a cathode ray tube. The rate
of duty will be free.
The cotton wadding (cotton swab), classified in HTS
subheading 5601.21.0090, falls within textile category
designation (369), from Japan. As a product of Japan, this
merchandise is subject to visa requirements based upon
international textile trade agreements.
The designated textile and apparel category may be
subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements
applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Since
part categories are the result of international bilateral
agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and
changes, to obtain the most current information available, we
suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the
Status Report On Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an
internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available
for inspection at your local Customs office.
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