CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM:114 R03357
TARIFF NOS.: 9013.20.0000, 9031.49.9000, 8537.10.9070
Mr. Dennis Heck
Yamaha Corp. of America
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
RE: The tariff classification of the Nexo GeoSight LMT, the GeoSight LST, and the GeoSight MMT from Great Britain
Dear Mr. Heck:
In your letter dated February 28, 2006 you requested a tariff classification ruling on the Nexo GeoSight LMT, the GeoSight LST and the GeoSight MMT.
The GeoSight SST, which was the subject of NY Ruling R03116 dated February 15, 2006, is a sender unit made in Great Britain. The GeoSight SST mounts on Nexo speaker arrays or rigging systems. The GeoSight SST contains a solid-state inclinometer to determine the precise speaker angle for optical sound dispersion for Yamaha’s concert hall and stadium speaker systems. The GeoSight LMT, the GeoSight LST and the GeoSight MMT are used with the GeoSight SST.
The GeoSight LMT is an optional high brightness green laser module. As an option, the GeoSight LMT can be installed inside the GeoSight SST sender unit to assist in sighting/pointing the sound dispersion of the speaker arrays. The green laser is stated to be 20 times more visible than a red laser and provides a highly visible indication of the aiming of the speaker arrays. The module consists of a green laser diode and a collimating lens with printed circuit board, which are mounted into a housing.
The GeoSight LST is a GeoSight SST sender unit with a GeoSight LMT installed in it. This is a laser leveling instrument. You have suggested classification of the GeoSight LST under subheading 9015.30, HTSUS, which provides for laser levels or subheading 9015.80.20, HTSUS, which provides for other optical instruments and appliances. Both of these subheadings fall under heading 9015 which provides for surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological, or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses; rangefinders. The GeoSight LST is not an instrument or appliance of heading 9015. Accordingly, the GeoSight LST cannot be classified under either subheading 9015.30 or 9015.80.20, HTS.
The GeoSight MMT meter unit is a battery powered control unit measuring approximately 4 inches wide by 2 inches high and 9 5/8 inches deep. This unit features a LCD display, a two-button menu driven interface and a serial port connector. The GeoSight MMT meter unit connects to the GeoSight SST sender unit by means of a 6-pin serial data cable. The GeoSight SST is calibrated and operated from the GeoSight MMT by means of two push-button switches, one for navigating through various menu options and one for selecting options.
The applicable subheading for the GeoSight LMT laser module, when imported separately, will be 9013.20.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for laser, other than laser diodes. The rate of duty will be 3.1 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the GeoSight LST laser leveling instrument will be 9031.49.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for optical measuring or checking instruments, other, other. The rate of duty will be 3.5 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the GeoSight MMT meter unit will be 8537.10.9070, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United Sates (HTSUS), which provides for boards, panels, consoles…and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity…for a voltage not exceeding 1,000V: other: other: other. The 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 Barbara Kiefer at 646-733-3019.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division