CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:110 C87149
Mr. Lee Silberzahn
Sony Electronics Inc.
1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, N.J. 07656-8003
RE: The tariff classification of a tape drive from Japan.
Dear Mr. Silberzahn:
In your letter dated April 17, 1998, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
The merchandise under consideration involves a model DRV-1000 tape drive. This drive unit is designed to be fitted in the
5.25 inch standard floppy bay slot of a personal computer. This
device is able to retrieve and store digital information on a
separately purchased magnetic tape cassette.
The DRV-1000 tape drive can record only when used with
separately supplied controller hardware contained in an external
device that controls the source of the video signal. Connections
between the drive and the computer are located on the back of the
drive. The DV in/out port connects to an interface board. Power
for the drive is obtained from the computer through the port
labeled +5 GND+12V. The eject port allows the user to insert and
reject the tapes using the button on the front of the drive.
The model DRV-1000 tape drive appears to incorporate the
design characteristics which are similar to other internal
storage units used with automatic data processing (ADP) machines.
Noting Legal Note 5(B) to Chapter 84 of the HTS, this internal
tape drive would therefore meet the definition of a "unit" of an
ADP system.
The applicable subheading for the internal model DRV-1000
tape drive will be 8471.70.6000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTS), which provides for other storage units,
not assembled in cabinets for placing on a table, desk, wall,
floor or similar place. 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 Art
Brodbeck at 212-466-5490.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division