CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:104 A89936
Mr. Michael K. Tomenga
McKenna & Cuneo, L.L.P.
1900 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
RE: The tariff classification of a casting wheel from Germany.
Dear Mr. Tomenga:
In your letter dated November 22, 1996 on behalf of Southwire Company, of
Carrollton, Georgia you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise consists of a metal, spoked casting wheel measuring 120
inches in diameter which is used in a continuous casting machine. The principal
function of the casting wheel is to shape molten copper into a solidified,
trapezoidal bar. Unlike the continuous casting of billets, blooms and slabs with
the continuous stream of molten metal pouring into stationary molds, continuous
rod and bar casting systems use molds which revolve. The wheel has an outwardly
facing annular peripheral groove. During a portion of its rotation, the casting
wheel is covered by a steel band, forming a cavity between the wheel and the
band. As the molten metal from the machine's furnace flows through this cavity,
coolant is applied to the wheel and band surfaces to extract heat and solidify
the bar.
The applicable subheading for the casting wheel will be 8454.90.0060,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for parts
of casting machines, of a kind used in metallurgy or in metal foundries. The
rate of duty will be free.
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 Robert Losche at 212-466-5670.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division