CLA-2-71:RR:NC:GI:115 A86844
Ms. Lauren Brown Herzl
Polestar Applied Technology, Inc.
One First Street
Suite 4
Los Altos, CA 94022
RE: The tariff classification of an 88-plate passive autocatalytic
recombiner from Germany.
Dear Ms. Brown Herzl:
In your letter dated August 19, 1996, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The subject item is described as an 88-plate passive
autocatalytic recombiner. It is also known as the NIS catalyst
which is used for the conversion of hydrogen and oxygen to water
vapor. Its utilization in containments of nuclear power plants
reduces potential oxyhydrogen gas explosions in case of nuclear
accidents.Its structure is simply pellets used in conjunction with
a cartridge or grill. The aluminum oxide pellets are used as a
catalyst. The surface layer of the pellets are doped with
palladium (platinum) particles. The pellets are enclosed in
perforated sheet steel cartridges.
Your merchandise is considered composite goods, consisting
of different materials or made up of different components. This
item shall be classified as if it consisted of the material or
component which gives it its essential character. In this
instance, the palladium doped pellets which act as catalysts,
impart the essential character.
The applicable subheading for the 88-plate passive
autocatalytic recombiner will be 7115.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for catalysts
in the form of wire cloth or grill, of platinum. The duty rate
will be 6.4% ad valorem.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177
of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this 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 Melvyn Birnbaum at 212-
466-5487.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division