CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 882101
Mr. Dario Basso
Kasho (U.S.A.) Inc.
8725 West Higgins Road, Suite 480
Chicago, IL 60631
RE: The tariff classification of de-inking machinery from Japan
Dear Mr. Basso:
In your letter dated January 20, 1993 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
You requested a ruling on four machines manufactured by
Shinhama Pump Mfg. Co. which are used in the process of making
pulp from waste paper. The machines are utilized in that portion
of the pulping process involved with de-inking waste paper stock.
The Type CCE High Consistency Kneader mechanically separates
insoluble printer inks found in office waste paper. It utilizes
an intense kneading action to reduce the ink particles to an
ultrafine size for subsequent removal in a flotator machine. It
also breaks up any remaining paper lumps and sticky contaminants,
and disperses fine contaminants such as dirt in order to produce
greater brightness in the de-inked pulp. Office waste paper
which has been previously ground into pulp and thickened to a
consistency of about 30 percent is fed into the kneader by a
screw conveyor. The stock is kneaded between rotors and stators,
which rotate at different speeds to produce greater interfiber
friction. The fiber to fiber rubbing action separates the ink
from the pulp and reduces the ink to ultrafine particles with
minimum injury to the pulp fibers. The stock remains in the
machine for 2-3 minutes before exiting through the discharge
valve.
The Type HIF Hi-Flo Flotator is used to remove the small ink
particles from the stock utilizing centrifugal force in a
pressurized cell. The stock, with a consistency of about 1
percent, enters through a stock inlet and is distributed to
several nozzles. At the nozzle air enters the stock and the
resulting froth of air and stock is then ejected into the mixing
chamber. The frothy mixture flows into the cone shaped bottom of
the machine where the ink particles, which adhere to the air
bubbles, and other contaminants separate from the stock due to
cyclonic action. The stock and contaminants then exit through
separate outlets.
The Dax-5 Reverse Cleaner is designed to remove lightweight
contaminants from the stock by means of centrifugal force. In
the inlet zone a specially designed impeller and casing create a
vortex in stock with a consistency of 1 percent or less. In the
separation zone, the lightweight contaminants move toward the
center of the vortex, while the heavier pulp fibers move toward
the wall of the unit. In the accept zone the stock exits through
an outlet, while the contaminants leave through a reject pipe.
The SP-Filter is designed to recover pulp fibers from waste
water used in the de-inking process. The stock, with a
consistency of about 6 percent, is concentrated on a rotating
cylinder with a fine mesh screen. Shower water is sprayed onto
the pulp mat formed on the cylinder, washing contaminants from
the pulp. The water and contaminants pass through the mesh
screen, leaving thickened stock on the screen.
The applicable subheading for the Type CCE High Consistency
Kneader will be 8439.10.0010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for new machinery for making
pulp of fibrous cellulosic material. The rate of duty will be
free.
You claim the Flotator, Reverse Cleaner, and SP Filter are
also classifiable in this provision. While these machines are
used in the process of making pulp, they are also classifiable in
the provision for filtering and purifying machinery and apparatus
for liquids of heading 8421, HTS. Note 2 to Chapter 84, which
encompasses these provisions, states that a machine or appliance
which answers to a description in one or more of the headings
8401 to 8424 and at the same time to a description in one or more
of the headings 8425 to 8480 is to be classified under the
appropriate heading of the former group and not the latter.
Accordingly, the applicable subheading for the Flotator, Reverse
Cleaner, and SP Filter will be 8421.29.0060, HTS, which provides
for filtering and purifying machinery and apparatus for other
liquids. The rate of duty will be 3.9 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