CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 880444
Mr. Walter E. Spiegel
Kilpatrick & Cody
Suite 800
700 13th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
RE: The tariff classification of chemical/steam mixers from
Sweden
Dear Mr. Spiegel:
In your letter dated November 12, 1992 on behalf of Sunds
Defibrator, Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Literature furnished with your inquiry indicates that the
model MEC single-shaft mixer is used in the cellulosic pulp
bleaching process for mixing chemicals and/or steam into medium
and high consistency pulp stock. The pulp stock enters the
unit's stainless steel mixing chamber through a top vertical
inlet, while steam enters the mixing chamber via 4-8 steam inlets
located along its outer housing. Bleaching chemicals are added
either prior to the mixer or through a connection at the pulp
inlet. A motor shaft, comprised of steel journals welded to a
steel tube, is used to thoroughly mix the chemicals and/or steam
with the pulp stock. After mixing, the stock exits through an
outlet on the bottom of the machine. The rotor is powered by an
electric motor which may be located at the inlet or outlet end of
the mixer. The model MEC mixer is available in four sizes which
can process 200 - 900 tons of pulp per day.
You also inquired about the model OMA chemical/steam mixer.
No literature on this mixer was provided; however, you indicated
that it performs the same function but is physically larger than
the MEC model mixer.
In your letter you stated that, in the United States, 75
percent of these mixers mix only steam and pulp stock. The
remaining 25 percent are used to mix both steam and chemicals
with the pulp stock. Therefore, the applicable subheading for
the model MEC and OMA mixers will be 8419.89.1000, Harmonized
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for
machinery, plant or laboratory equipment, whether or not
electrically heated, for the treatment of materials by a process
involving a change of temperature such as...steaming...: other
machinery, plant or equipment: other: for making paper pulp,
paper or paperboard. The rate of duty will be 2.4 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