May 5, 2004 CBP Bulletin Notices on Certain Metal Couplings and Connectors and Plastic Identification Badges
In the May 5, 2004 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin (CBPBulletin) (Vol. 38, No. 19), CBP issued notices: (a) revoking two classification rulings on certain metal couplings and connectors; and (b) revoking a classification ruling regarding plastic identification badges. CBP states that it is also revoking any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions that are contrary to its position in these notices.
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With respect to these revocations, CBP states that these actions are effective for merchandise entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after July 4, 2004.
CBP also states that these notices cover any rulings on the subject merchandise that may exist but have not been specifically identified.
Revocation of Two Classification Rulings
Certain Metal Couplings and Connectors. According to CBP, at issue in HQ 966958 are certain zinc-plated steel compression fittings. At issue in HQ 966965 are certain zinc couplings and connectors.
CBP is issuing HQ 966958 in order to revoke NY I81109 and classify the threaded couplings under HTS 7307.92.3010 which provides for "threaded sleeves (couplings) of iron or nonalloy steel" and the other fittings under HTS 7307.99.5045 as "other tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves), of iron or nonalloy steel;" rather than under HTS 7326.90.8586 as "other articles of iron or steel."
CBP is also issuing HQ 966965 in order to revoke NY A82216 and reclassify the certain zinc couplings and connecters under HTS 7906.00.0000 as "zinc tubes, pipes and tube or pipe fittings (for example, couplings, elbows, sleeves)" rather than under HTS 7907.00.6000 as "other articles of zinc."
Regarding both HQ 966958 and HQ 966965, CBP states that new information has been presented that indicates that the subject merchandise serves to connect the bores of two tubes together or to connect a tube to some other apparatus (i.e., a junction box). Therefore, CBP states that the subject merchandise is classified as described above.
Regarding HQ 966958, CBP notes that some of the fittings are threaded, which indicates that the connection is made by screwing. These connectors and couplings are classified under HTS 7307.92.3010, while the other fittings of nonalloy steel where the connection is not threaded (e.g., compression connectors) are classified in HTS 7307.99.5045.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/19/04 news, 04031940, for BP summary of the proposed rulings, including a complete description of the couplings and connectors. Subscribers should note that in the proposed rulings, CBP had only specified the applicable HTS numbers up to eight-digit levels.)
new: 7307.92.3010, duty-free; 7307.99.5045, 4.3%; 7906.00.0000, 3%;
previous: 7326.90.8586, 2.9% (2002); 7907.00.6000, 3%.
Revocation of Classification Ruling
Plastic Identification Badges. At issue are three types of plastic identification badges each composed of a heavyweight cardstock insert, 4" x 3" in size, and a plastic badge holder (i.e., neck hanging, metal clip, or metal pin). The badges are valued over 20 cents per dozen pieces.
CBP is issuing HQ 966569 in order to revoke NY F81413 and reclassify the badges under HTS 3926.90.98 as "other articles of plastics, etc." rather than under HTS 7117.90.7500 which provides for "other imitation jewelry of plastics."
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/18/04 news, 04031855, for BP summary of the proposed ruling.)
new: 3926.90.98, 5.3%; previous: 7117.90.7500, duty-free.
May 5, 2004 CBP Bulletin (Vol. 38, No. 19) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/legal/bulletins_decisions/bulletins_2004/vol38_05052004_no_19/