CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:104 J86678

Mr. Charles S. Parisi
Parisi Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 91217
Los Angeles, CA 90009

RE: The tariff classification of a lens holder from China

Dear Mr. Parisi:

In your letter dated July 7, 2003 on behalf of Lee Optical Supply you requested a tariff classification ruling.

A sample has been submitted and an explanation of how the item is used has been provided by Mr. Lee Weiss of Lee Optical Supply in his letter to you of June 24, 2003. The lens holder or “block” as it is referred to in the optical industry is a plastic disc about the size of a nickel. The front face is covered with a double-sided adhesive. The back has a profile to match the profile of the lens edging machine it will be used in.

The lens to be ground is attached by the adhesive to the lens holder or block in a lens blocking machine. From the lens blocking machine, the lens now attached to the lens holder or block is placed into the lens edging machine. After the lens has been ground to the required shape, the holder or block is removed and discarded.

The applicable subheading for the plastic lens holder or block will be 8466.20.8065, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of headings 8456 to 8465, including work or tool holders …: work holders: other. The rate of duty will be 3.7 percent.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Robert Losche at 646-733-3011.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division