CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:110 880137
Mr. Donald L. Fischer
Horton, Whiteley & Cooper
1900 Embarcadero, Suite 201
Oakland, CA 94606
RE: The tariff classification of a Asante 1012 Controller from
Taiwan
Dear Mr. Fischer:
In your letter dated October 10, 1992, on behalf of Asante
Technologies, Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves a model 1012
controller which is a modular, freely programmable communications
processor that controls and monitors the interfacing of computers
including the CPU to other data processing machines, or to groups
of input or output units linked as local area network systems in
a star configuration (where computers are connected to a central
hub). It serves as the network manager that is responsible for
overseeing the operations of the local area network and
communicating managerial information to the network operator.
As a network manager, the 1012 incorporates a uPD703222-V25
microprocessor whose "superset" instruction execution units
perform the four basic manager/control functions. Contained in
an aluminum chassis designed to be free standing or mounted into
an Asante card cage, the 1012's electrical components are mounted
on a standard fiberglass PCB. The electrical components include
a microprocessor which (in addition to a built-in power supply)
features a 16-bit internal architecture and 8-bit external data
bus; two LSI chips specifically dedicated to systemwide data
collection; and working in conjunction with the data retrieval
chips, 50 LED's which are dedicated for specific control tasks.
Noting Legal Note 5 (B) to Chapter 84 of the HTS, this
controller would meet the definition of a "unit" of an automatic
data processing machine. The principal function of this
controller appears to be for the interconnection of the CPU unit
to other units or ADP machines, thereby serving "control" and
"adaption" functions.
The applicable subheading for the AsanteHub 1012 controller
will be 8471.99.1500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for control or adapter units. The
rate of duty will be free.
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