CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:104 898861
Mr. Michael Doud Gill
The Enviro Group
10303 Lloyd Road
Potomac, MD 20854
RE: The tariff classification of an emissions control device from
England.
Dear Mr. Gill:
In your letter dated June 7, 1994 you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The Econogreen (sample submitted) is a product developed to
reduce exhaust emissions, while increasing fuel economy. The unit
can be either factory-installed on the engine of a new motor
vehicle or retrofitted to an existing engine. Similar in
application to inline fuel filters, it is attached to the fuel line
of an engine just before the fuel enters the engine. You indicate
that the device employs two technologies, electro-chemical and
electro-magnetic. The first consists of a series of alloy cones
composed of tin, antimony, mercury and lead as a binding agent. A
plurality of these cones are separated by steel disks. The disks
contain a number of holes through which the fuel flows freely. The
second technology is the application of a magnetic flux through the
placement of two or more permanent ferrite magnets. The cones,
disks and magnets are encased in a cylindrical enclosure made of
steel, nylon 66 or plastic.
When fuel enters the Econogreen unit, the dissimilar metal
technology of the alloy cones creates a molecular change whereby
the polarity of the fuel is altered. This alteration results in the
ability of the fuel molecules to bind with oxygen. Exposure to the
magnetic flux created by the magnets polarizes hydrocarbon
molecules which renders them more receptive to more complete
combustion and reduces the potential for deposits on cylinder
surfaces.
The applicable subheading for the Econogreen will be
8421.23.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for filtering or purifying machinery and
apparatus for liquids: oil or fuel filters for internal combustion
engines. The rate of duty will be 3.1 percent.
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