CLA-2-85:OT:RR:E:NC:1:110
Ms. Laura Koss
FW Murphy
5311 S. 122nd East Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74146
RE: The tariff classification of a vibration switch from China.
Dear Ms. Koss:
In your letter dated October 20, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration is the VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch. The VS2 Series switches are shock sensitive mechanisms for emergency shutdown of engines or electric motor powered equipment such as, pumps, compressors, heat exchanges and pumping units. The VS2 switches are designed to detect excessive shock and vibration which could cause damage to equipment. These switches use a magnetic latch to ensure reliable operation.
The VS2 Series switches consists of a housing featuring NO (Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed) double make contacts rated for up to 480 volts (V) at 5 amps (A). These switches utilize a spring loaded tripping latch mechanism and a permanent magnet. The armature movement, which opens and closes the contacts, is adjustable by increasing or decreasing the gap between the armature and the permanent magnet. A reset push button is provided to reset the latching mechanism after the armature is released. This reset button moves the tripping latch into a magnetically held position. Shock or vibration will move the magnet beyond this holding position, thus freeing the spring loaded tripping latch to transfer the contacts and open or close an electrical circuit.
The applicable subheading for the VS2 Series Shock and Vibration Switch will be 8536.50.9040, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits…for a voltage not exceeding 1000 V: Other switches: Other: Other: Snap-action, other than limit.” The general rate of duty will be 2.7 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 Thomas Campanelli at (646) 733-3016.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division