CLA-2-84:RR:NC:MM:106 B80716
Mr. Michael J. Murphy
E&B International, Inc.
P.O. Box 13126
Norfolk, VA 23506
RE: The tariff classification of hydraulic mine roof shield
supports from Poland
Dear Mr. Murphy:
In your letter dated January 7, 1997 you requested a tariff
classification ruling. Your request included descriptive
literature and drawings. A response to you request was delayed
pending advisory information from our headquarters office. We
apologize for this delay.
Hydraulic mine roof shield supports are one of three
machines that comprise a longwall mining system used in
underground coal mining. The system consists of a cutting device
which removes coal as it moves along the face of a coal deposit;
a face conveyor, located beneath the cutting tool, which
transports the coal as it is cut from the face; and an advancing
mechanism and shield support which serves as a kind of platform
for the cutter and conveyor. These shield supports are installed
side by side along the face of an underground coal seam to form a
continuous overhead canopy which cantilevers over the cutter and
face conveyor. The supports prevent the mine roof from
collapsing onto these machines as the coal ins removed. The
supports also move the entire system forward.
A uniform and established practice exists with regard to
this merchandise classifying it as other excavating, extracting
or boring machinery. The applicable subheading for the mine roof
shield supports will be 8430.50.5000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule
of the United States (HTS), which provides for other self-
propelled machinery for excavating earth,, minerals or ores. The
duty rate will be 1 percent ad valorem.
Articles classifiable under subheading 8430.50.5000, HTS,
which are products of Poland are entitled to duty free treatment
under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) upon compliance
with all applicable regulations.
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
Patrick J. Wholey at 212-466-5668.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Chief, Metals & Machinery Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division