Jan 2 CBP Bulletin Proposes to Revoke Rulings on Plastic Placemat and Coaster Sets, Power Distribution Units
In the Jan. 2 issue of the CBP Customs Bulletin (Vol. 47, No. 52), CBP published two notices that propose to revoke rulings and similar treatment for the tariff classification of placemat and coaster sets and power distribution units.
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Comments on Proposed Revocations Due Feb. 3
CBP said consideration will be given to any written comments received by Feb. 3 before taking this action. In addition, any party who has received a ruling or decision on the merchandise that is subject to the proposed revocations, or any party involved with a substantially identical transaction, should advise CBP by the date that written comments on the proposed ruling are due. (An importer's failure to advise CBP of such rulings, decisions, or substantially identical transactions may raise issues of reasonable care on the part of the importer or its agents for importations subsequent to the effective date of the final decision in this notice.)
Proposed Revocations
CBP is proposing to revoke the rulings below, and any rulings on these products that may exist but have not been specifically identified. CBP is also proposing to revoke or modify any treatment it has previously accorded to substantially identical transactions.
Sunflower Placemat and Coaster Set
| Item: Sunflower Placemat and Coaster Set. Made of polyvinyl chloride, the placemat and matching coasters are decorated with the pattern of a brown wicker basket holding brightly colored orange, yellow and white sunflowers and green leaves. The placemats and coasters help to protect tables from scratches, food spills or stains. |
| Current: 3924.10.4000, 3.4%, (Tableware, kitchenware…of plastics: tableware and kitchenware: other.) |
| Proposed: 3924.90.10, 3.3%, (Tableware, kitchenware...of plastics: Other: Curtains and drapes, including panels and valances; napkins, table covers, mats, scarves, runners, doilies, centerpieces, antimacassars and furniture slipcovers; and like furnishings.) |
| Reason: The placemats are not used in the preparation of food or beverages and are not as necessary to place settings as utensils, plates, glasses, said CBP. They also cannot be used for storing or display and are not items from which a consumer would directly consume food or beverages. As a result, they cannot be classified under subheading 3924.10, the agency said. Because the placemats are designed to cover the table, they are better classified as 3924.90.10, said CBP. |
| Proposed for revocation: NY N020816 (2007) |
| Proposed new ruling: HQ H236273 |
Power Distribution Units
| Item: Power Distribution Units. The Minuteman Remote Power Manager consists of a power distribution unit (PDU) and other functional components. It is used in computer rooms and computer cabinets to distribute power to computers, routers, modems and other devices. The merchandise allows a system administrator to remotely access and reboot specific devices which are connected to the Minuteman RPM. The Minuteman RPM also provides surge protection to connected devices. |
| Current: 8471.80.1000, Free, (Automatic data processing machines and units thereof… Other units of automatic data processing machines: Control or adapter units..) or 8536.69.8000, 2.7%, (lamp holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Other.) |
| Proposed: 8537.10.90, 2.7%, (Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity …: For a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other…) |
| Reason: The units are specifically designed for electric control and the distribution of electricity and includes two or more apparatus of heading 8536. Such items have been classified in the past by CBP in heading 8537, said CBP. |
| Proposed for revocation: NY G89656 (2001), NY I81158 (2002), modifies NY B88396 (1997) |
| Proposed new ruling: HQ H203636 |