CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 885593
7324.90.0000
Ms. Pam Brown
Cargo U.K., Inc.
4790 Aviation Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30349
RE: The tariff classification of slaughterhouse equipment from
Holland
Dear Ms. Brown:
In your letter dated April 22, 1993 on behalf of Stork RMS
Inc. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
With your inquiry you submitted brochures describing conveyor
systems, container washing machinery, waste water treatment
systems, and various types of washing apparatus. This equipment
will be used in slaughterhouses for the processing of beef and
pork.
The conveyor system is an overhead mechanical transport system
for moving carcasses suspended from hooks or shackles, as well as
for transporting meat racks and hides. The conveyor is basically
composed of a galvanized frame and rail, conveyor chain of various
types, a motor reducer or electric drive, a tensioning unit for the
chain, pneumatic rail switches, and a central control cabinet.
Cleanstar continuous washing machines are used to clean the
inside and outside of trays, drums, and buckets in order to
maintain optimum hygiene in the processing plant. The machines
include pre-wash, main wash, and rinsing compartments, each with
a water tank, pump, spray pipes, and adjustable jet sprayer. In
the pre-wash section the containers are washed with warm water.
In the main washing section cleaning is accomplished with hot water
and, if necessary, a detergent. In the rinsing section any
remaining residue is removed with hot water and a disinfectant.
Hot water is obtained by direct steam heating or a supplemental
electric heating system. The control unit allows washing and
rinsing times to be pre-programmed.
The waste water treatment machinery includes rotary screens,
dissolved air flotation separators, physico-chemical separators,
sludge separators with aerators, and belt presses. While these
utilize different technologies, all are intended for the removal
of solids from waste water at slaughterhouses and meat and fish
processing plants. The rotary screens remove larger solids, while
the dissolved air flotation separators, physico-chemical separators
and sludge separators with aerators cause smaller solids to
agglomerate, thereby facilitating their removal. The belt presses
lend themselves to the removal of solids from rather dilute water
flows by squeezing the flow between two mesh belts.
You also inquired about other washing apparatus used to
maintain plant hygiene. A handwash/sterilizing unit is composed
of a stainless steel backsplash, sink and faucet. A knee-operated
valve supplies hot water to the handwash basin. The sink top
incorporates a knife sterilizer; sterilizing water at a temperature
of approximately 82 degrees Centigrade is separately delivered to
this area. The unit includes a syphon trap in the drainpipe and
may be floor or wall mounted. The apron washer is used to wash the
workers' aprons in order to remove the risk of cross-contamination
of carcasses. It is made of stainless steel and is configured like
a shower stall with a semi-circular wall and a grid drain base.
A worker enters the apron washer and operates a foot pedal to
supply water to a shower-type head, thus rinsing the apron clean.
This unit can be configured to include a knife sterilizer, soap
dispenser, paper towel holder and refuse bag holder. The stainless
steel head washing cabinet is used for internal and external
cleaning of cowheads during head trimming and tongue severing. It
consists of a stainless steel semi-circular splash screen, and a
round basin with grid and drain. Mounted on a rod attached to the
splash screen is a detachable, rotatable head suspension hook. The
side of the unit contains a knife sterilizer and a sprayer for
cleaning.
The applicable subheading for the conveyor system, imported
in a single shipment, will be 8428.39.0000, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other
lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery: other
continuous-action elevators and conveyors, for goods or materials:
other. The rate of duty will be 2 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the Cleanstar washing machines
will be 8422.20.0000, HTS, which provides for machinery for
cleaning or drying bottles or other containers. The rate of duty
will be 3.6 percent ad valorem.
The applicable heading for the rotary screens, dissolved air
flotation separators, physico-chemical separators, sludge
separators with aerators, and belt presses will be 8421.21.0000,
HTS, which provides for filtering or purifying machinery and
apparatus for water. The rate of duty will be 3.9 percent ad
valorem.
Finally, the applicable subheading for the
handwash/sterilizing unit and head washing cabinet will be
7324.10.0000, HTS, which provides for sanitary ware and parts
thereof, of iron or steel: sinks and wash basins, of stainless
steel, and for the apron washer it will be 7324.90.0000, HTS, which
provides for sanitary ware and parts thereof, of iron or steel:
other. The rate of duty for all three articles will be 3.4 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