CLA-2-84:S:N:N3:102 899629
Mr. E.P. Ballinger
Rexroth Corporation
Marine & Offshore Div.
P.O. Box 25407
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-5407
RE:The tariff classification of marine hydraulic drives and fin stabilizers from Italy
Dear Mr. Ballinger:
In your letter dated June 28, 1994 you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Your inquiry specified six systems that you were considering importing. The first item was the LS series of marine
main propulsion units. These consist of a rotary axial piston hydraulic motor coupled to a marine propeller and
encased in an underwater housing. The hydraulic motors are powered by diesel or gas driven hydraulic power assemblies
mounted on the boat. The next three items, the HDS Hydrostatic Z-drive; the BT20 or BTM Bow Thruster; and the HM
Hydraulic propulsion unit, are all similar to the first item, just varying in application, size, power and
installation. The fifth item is the SF 1000 and SF 2000 fin stabilizer. These are limited movement rotary hydraulic
motors that utilize two hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders are connected to a steel rotor in such a way that linear
movement of either cylinder is translated into rotary movement of the rotor. The rotor assembly is ultimately
connected, in the U.S., to a stabilizer fin that is used to reduce the ships motion caused by waves. The last item
was described as the BT-2000 Bow Thruster Control. Unfortunately the primary descriptive literature submitted for
this system was entirely in Italian. As such we lacked sufficient information to comment on that item at this time.
The applicable subheading for the LS, HDS, and HM hydraulic propulsion systems, as well as the BT20 and BTM bow
thrusters will be 8412.29.8045, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for unlimited
rotary acting, axial piston type hydraulic power engines and motors. The rate of duty will be 3.4 percent ad valorem.
The SF 1000 and 2000 fin stabilizer drives (not including the fins) would be classifiable under 8412.29.8075, HTS,
which provides for other hydraulic power engines and motors, other. The rate of duty 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