CLA-2-84:RR:NC:1:103 D82211
Ms. Jennifer F. Kessinger
Katten Muchin & Zavis
525 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60661-3693
RE: The tariff classification of injection molding machine
components from Germany
Dear Ms. Kessinger:
In your letters dated July 28, 1998 and September 10, 1998
on behalf of Cincinnati Milacron, Inc. (CMI) you requested a
tariff classification ruling.
You submitted a schematic drawing and samples of a screw
tip, distance ring, and seat (or non-return ring) which will be
separately imported in various sizes by your client. These items
will then be combined together to form a screw tip assembly used
in a plastic injection molding machine. Because of their unique
design, each screw tip assembly will be used in a particular line
of injection molding machines manufactured by CMI and cannot be
used in any other line of injection molding machines, or in any
other type of machine.
Plastic injection molding machines utilize a barrel screw
which rotates within a heated barrel to inject molten plastic
into a mold. The screw tip assembly is positioned at the front
of the barrel screw. As the screw rotates the distance ring
moves forward, allowing the aperture between the barrel and
distance ring to open. The molten plastic can then pass through
the screw tip and accumulate in front of the screw. The
accumulation of melted plastic in front of the screw forces the
screw toward the rear. Once the desired amount of plastic has
been accumulated the screw is shot forward, thus injecting the
plastic into the mold. The distance ring moves backward during
injection, closing the aperture and preventing material from
flowing back along the screw during injection. The seat (or non-return ring) functions as a stop for the distance ring. The seat
is not incorporated in the screw tip since it is subject to
substantial wear and thus is replaced more often than the screw
tip.
While it acts to regulate the flow of the molten plastic
within the injection molding machine, the screw tip assembly
seals against the barrel and thus does not form a complete valve.
Accordingly, the components of the screw tip assembly cannot be
classified in heading 8481, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for, among other things,
valves and parts thereof.
The applicable subheading for the screw tip, distance ring
and seat (non-return ring), imported individually, will be
8477.90.8515, HTS, which provides for parts of machinery for
working rubber or plastics or for the manufacture of products
from these materials, not specified or included elsewhere (in
chapter 84): other: other: of injection molding machines. The
rate of duty will be 3.3 percent ad valorem.
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 Alan
Horowitz at 212-466-5494.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division