CLA-2-84:RR:E:NC:N1:102
Mr. Larry E. Branch
FMC Technologies
2825 West Washington
Stephenville, TX 76401
RE: The tariff classification of butterfly valves of unspecified origin
Dear Mr. Branch:
In your letter dated November 22, 2006 you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of FMC Technologies.
The articles in question are described as butterfly valves ranging in size from two through twelve inches, with a pressure rating of 175 pounds per square inch. You indicate that some valves may be imported with hand wheels for hand operation, while others may be imported “bare stem” without a handle. The valve bodies are made of either ductile iron, AISI 1040 steel or AISI 316 stainless steel. Descriptive information was submitted.
Although components other than the valve bodies may be made from a range of materials, including various metals, Teflon and rubbers, for tariff purposes, we give weight to the material(s) from which the valve bodies are made when determining which material(s) give the valves their essential character.
The applicable subheading for butterfly valves with iron bodies, when presented with hand wheels, will be 8481.80.3030, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances, hand operated, of iron, butterfly type. The general rate of duty will be 5.6 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for butterfly valves with steel bodies, when presented with hand wheels, will be 8481.80.3075, HTSUS, which provides for taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances, hand operated, of steel, butterfly type. The general rate of duty will be 5.6 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for all bare stem butterfly valves, i.e., valves presented without hand wheels, will be 8481.80.9050, HTSUS, which provides for other taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances. The general rate of duty will be 2 percent ad valorem.
Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.
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 Kenneth Brock at 646-733-3009.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division