CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N2:220

Robert Shield
Yokowo Manufacturing of America, LLC
4081 Leap Road
Hilliard, OH 43026

RE: The tariff classification of a noise suppressor from China

Dear Mr. Shield:

In your letter dated September 24, 2018 you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise under consideration is referred to as the Automotive Antenna Noise Suppressor which is described as an assembly containing the suppression module circuit, two coaxial cables with connectors, and a metal mounting bracket. The subject noise suppressor is connected between the vehicle’s antenna and the radio head unit for the purpose of filtering out electrical noise from the signal received.

In your request you suggest the noise suppressor is correctly classified under 8529.10.9100, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We disagree. The subject noise suppressor has an individual function and is not considered to be a part of the antenna nor a part of the radio receiver. Therefore, classification in subheading 8529.10.9100, HTSUS, is not applicable.

The applicable subheading for the Automotive Antenna Noise Suppressor will be 8543.70.9960, HTSUS, which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; Other machines and apparatus; …Other”. The rate of duty will be 2.6 percent ad valorem.

Effective July 6, 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) imposed an additional tariff on certain products of China classified in the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(b), HTSUS. The USTR imposed additional tariffs, effective August 23, 2018, on products classified under the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(d), HTSUS. Subsequently, the USTR imposed further tariffs, effective September 24, 2018, on products classified under the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(f) and U.S. Note 20(g), HTSUS. For additional information, please see the relevant Federal Register notices dated June 20, 2018 (83 F.R. 28710), August 16, 2018 (83 F.R. 40823), and September 21, 2018 (83 F.R. 47974). Products of China that are provided for in subheading 9903.88.01, 9903.88.02, 9903.88.03, or 9903.88.04 and classified in one of the subheadings enumerated in U.S. Note 20(b), U.S. Note 20(d), U.S. Note 20(f) or U.S. Note 20(g) to subchapter III shall continue to be subject to antidumping, countervailing, or other duties, fees and charges that apply to such products, as well as to those imposed by the aforementioned Chapter 99 subheadings.

Products of China classified under subheading 8543.70.9960, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to the additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.02, in addition to subheading 8543.70.9960, HTSUS, listed above.

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 https://hts.usitc.gov/current.

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 Karl Moosbrugger at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division