CLA-2-71:RR:NC:SP:233 C83488
Mr. James R. Cannon, Jr.
Stewart and Stewart
2100 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037
RE: The tariff classification of thermally stable polycrystalline
diamond blanks from China.
Dear Mr. Cannon:
In your letter dated January 15, 1998, on behalf of Hycalog,
you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The submitted samples are thermally stable polycrystalline
(TSP) diamond blanks. The TSP diamond blanks are rectangular or
cylindrical in shape and are wholly made of synthetic diamond
material. Synthetic diamond crystals are fused in a process
applying high temperature and high pressure levels to produce the
shaped articles. They are not mounted on a base metal or any other
metal. After importation, the TSP diamond blanks are mounted in a
metal matrix body and then inserted into a drill bit and used for
rock drilling in the oil industry.
The applicable subheading for the thermally stable
polycrystalline diamond blanks will be 7116.20.50, Harmonized
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for
articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semiprecious
stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): of precious or
semiprecious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed): other:
other. Articles classifiable in this provision are eligible for
duty-free entry under subheading 9907.71.01, HTS, which provides
for tool blanks and drill blanks, of industrial diamonds (provided
for in subheading 7116.20.50), through the close of December 31,
2004.
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 Lawrence Mushinske at
212-466-5739.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division