CLA-2-89:S:N:N1:106-884524
Mr. Roger Barr
Premium Liferafts
60 Berry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11221
RE: The tariff classification of life rafts from England
Dear Mr. Barr:
In your letter dated March 30, 1993 you requested a tariff
classif- ication ruling. You have submitted literature
describing three life raft models.
The imported product is life rafts made from a light but
strong
multi-ply of butyl and polyamide. The rafts feature unitary
construction design that removes the risk of separation between
the two buoyancy chambers but at the same time continues to
provide independent air compartments. The imported life rafts
are intended solely for the purpose of emergency at sea (e.g.,
during a ship wreck). The rafts will be rented by pleasure
boaters, sailors and non-commercial boaters.
Model no. LG3039/2 carries four persons, measures
approximately 80 by 34 by 30 cm, and weighs approximately 20 kg.
Model no. LG3041/2 carries six persons, measures
approximately 84 by 36 by 32 cm, and weighs approximately 26 kg.
Model no. LG3043/2 carries eight persons, measures
approximately 85 by 38 by 34 cm, and weighs approximately 30 kg.
The rafts come in a soft valise stowage pouch and are
manually launched. Each raft has a self contained inflation
mechanism, comprising a bottle of carbon dioxide and a release
cap actuated by pulling on a length of cord. This cord then
becomes the tether line. The raft self inflates in approximately
twenty seconds. Each raft contains a safety equipment which includes marine
distress signals, a rubber patch and repair kit, a bailer, pump,
sponges, and paddles to help move the raft away from the
abandoned vessel.
The applicable subheading for the life rafts will be
8907.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for inflatable rafts. The rate of duty
will be 3.8 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