CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:N1:102
Ms. Lora Mayo-Brown
Robert Bosch LLC
8101 Dorchester Road
Charleston, South Carolina 29418
RE: The tariff classification of a diesel fuel injector body from Germany
Dear Ms. Mayo-Brown:
In your letter dated May 14, 2010 you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The product you plan to import is described as a forged diesel fuel injector valve body blank for a solenoid operated fuel injector. After importation, this semi-finished unpolished injector body blank will be subjected to machining and finishing operations before being assembled into a complete solenoid valve. Schematic drawings and representative samples of both the unfinished and the finished valve body were submitted. The samples will be returned as you requested.
Merchandise is classifiable under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). GRI 1 states that for legal purposes classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. HTSUS heading 8481 provides for taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances and parts thereof. GRI 2(a) extends the scope of the heading to include unfinished articles by providing that such articles shall be classified as if complete or finished provided that, as imported, they have the essential character of complete or finished articles. The Explanatory Notes relevant to GRI 2(a) explain that the provisions of the rule also apply to blanks. The term "blank" is defined as an article not ready for direct use, having the approximate shape or outline of the finished article or part, and which can only be used, other than in exceptional cases, for completion into the finished article or part. Based on examination of the submitted sample, we find that the subject injector body is a net shape blank that closely approximates the outline of the finished part it will form. Although the injector body may not be to final tolerances and lacks the finished surfaces of the finished part, upon importation it meets the requirements of GRI 2(a). Accordingly, we find that the subject injector body is an unfinished article that has the essential character as a valve part and is specifically provided for in heading 8481, HTSUS.
The applicable subheading for the fuel injector body will be 8481.90.9060, HTSUS, which provides for other valve bodies. The rate of duty is free.
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 T. Brock at (646) 733-3009.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division