CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:105 884121

Ms. Angela Sharman
John A. Steer Co.
P.O. Box 1275
Sharon Hill, PA 19079

RE: The tariff classification of hot gas rework equipment from Japan

Dear Ms. Sharman:

In your letter dated March 16, 1993 you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Manix Manufacturing Inc. You request the classification of two hot gas rework stations, Models HG 7700 and HG 7900; replacement reflow nozzles for those stations; the HG 7600 Bottom Heater; and the HG 7450 CCD Camera. The rework stations are desoldering and soldering machines that accomplish the quick, reliable and safe removal of delicate surface-mounted devices from printed circuit boards by concentrating electrically-heated compressed air on them. A complete station includes, in addition to the basic machine: a remote console, foot switch, vacuum probe, bottom heater, floating X-Y positioner or mechanical X-Y table, stereoscope and bracket, CCD camera with bracket and cream solder dispenser. Some stations will be imported without bottom heaters and/or cameras.

The replacement reflow nozzles come in over 200 standard sizes and are made of durable stainless steel. The HG 7600 bottom heater is an electric resistance device for preheating the components before desoldering. The HG 7450 CCD camera is a color video camera used to capture the operation and transmit it to a domestically- sourced monitor suspended above the rework station.

The applicable subheading for the HG 7700 and HG 7900 rework stations will be 8515.19.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for electric (including electrically heated gas) soldering machines. This classification applies to stations imported with or without bottom heaters and cameras. The applicable subheading for separately

imported reflow nozzles will be 8515.90.4000, which provides for parts of electric soldering machines. The rate of duty for both these subheadings will be 2.5 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for separately imported HG 7600 bottom heaters will be 8419.89.5075, 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 heating . . . The rate of duty will be 4.2 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for separately imported HG 7450 cameras will be 8525.30.0040, which provides for color television cameras. The rate of duty will be 4.2 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