CLA-2-39:RR:NC:2:221 B85419

Mr. Leo Jeffries
Kintetsu Intermodal (U.S.A.), Inc.
1035 Watson Center Road
Carson, CA 90745

RE: The tariff classification of plastic specimen chamber caps and silicone gaskets from Japan.

Dear Mr. Jeffries:

In your letter dated May 2, 1997, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The specimen chamber caps (Article #4334 and #4335), which are composed of plastics, are designed for use in the laboratory. They are meant for use with specimen chamber No. 4329, for which no ruling was requested. The gaskets are composed of silicone, which for tariff purposes is considered a plastics material.

The applicable subheading for the chamber caps, when they are imported separately from the holders, will be 3923.50.0000, Harmonized Tariff System of the United States (HTS), which provides for stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics. The rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the silicone gaskets will be 3926.90.4590, HTS, which provides for other articles of plastics...gaskets, washers and other seals, other. The rate of duty will be 3.5 percent ad valorem.

You also requested a classification ruling on specimen chamber holders (Item No. 4326). According to the information you sent, these holders are composed of plastics and stainless steel. Please provide a sample and a component material breakdown showing the relative values and weights of the stainless steel and the plastic. 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 Joan Mazzola at 212-466-5580.

Sincerely,

Gwenn Klein Kirschner
Chief, Special Products Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division