CLA-2-63:OT:RR:NC:N3:351
Tracie Thomas
Executive Administrator
American Electric Vehicles
P.O. Box 509
707 County Line Road, Suite E
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
RE: The tariff classification of a textile carrier for solar panels with a cigarette lighter adapter and a car battery adapter
Dear Ms. Thomas:
In your letter dated February 17, 2009, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
You submitted a carrier for portable solar panels, a cigarette lighter adapter, and a car battery adapter. The carrier is constructed of 100% polyester woven textile fabric with a .55 mil PVC coating for durability. It measures approximately 39” x 17” (unfolded) and features three metal grommets on each end. One side of the carrier features two webbed carrying straps and hook-and-loop fasteners for closure. The words “Trail Charge” are printed on that side.
The other side of the carrier features fifteen metal snaps that are internally wired to one another. An output cable is attached to the last snap in the series. Four solar panels, not included with the sample and not part of this ruling, are to be snapped into the unfolded carrier for field use. The energy produced by the panels is transmitted through the internal wiring and the output cable.
You state that after importation into the U.S. the carrier, cigarette lighter adapter, and car battery adapter will be packaged with four small solar panels, two short tent poles, one USB cigarette charger adapter, and a user manual. Because the carrier and adapters are not retail packaged together at the time of importation they do not comprise a set for tariff purposes and will be individually classified. General Rule of Interpretation 3, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), noted.
The applicable subheading for the textile carrier will be 6307.90.9889, HTSUS, which provides for other made up textile article, other. The general rate of duty will be 7% ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the cigarette lighter adapter and the car battery adapter will be 8544.42.9000, HTSUS, which provides for “Insulated (including enameled or anodized) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors…: Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Fitted with connectors: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 2.6% ad valorem.
You state that the materials will be sourced from, but not limited to, Southeast Asia, then cut, sewn, and assembled in China. The finished carrier and adapters will be shipped from China to the U.S. where they will be combined with the other parts (as above). You have not requested a country of origin determination. If you would like one, please submit a specific request that includes origin information for all parts of each item, and details of where each manufacturing operation takes place.
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/.
The sample will be returned as requested.
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 Mitchel Bayer at (646) 733-3102.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division