Automobile Wiring Harnesses Consisting Of Insulated Wires, Lamp Sockets, Lamps And Electrical Connectors; Light Bulbs; Electric Conductors; Electric Connectors; Parts Of Motor Vehicle Lighting Or Signalling Equipment

HQ 087078 November 29, 1990 CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 087078 CMS CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8512.90.60 8544.30.00 Mr. Kevin M. Smith Customs Administrator General Motors Corporation General Motors Building, Room 14-262C 3044 West Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48202 RE: Automobile Wiring Harnesses Consisting Of Insulated Wires, Lamp Sockets, Lamps And Electrical Connectors; Light Bulbs; Electric Conductors; Electric Connectors; Parts Of Motor Vehicle Lighting Or Signalling Equipment Dear Mr. Smith, This is in response to your request dated March 26, 1990, for a classification ruling on certain automobile wiring harnesses. Our ruling follows. FACTS: The merchandise consists of automobile wiring harnesses. The harnesses consist of insulated wires connected to lamp sockets with lamps in their sockets. Rubber grommets or gaskets are fitted to the lamp sockets. The insulated wires are wrapped in tape or are encased in a protective plastic conduit. The wires are fitted with electrical connectors on the ends which are not connected to lamp sockets. The wires may be fitted with metal fastening clips. The harnesses are used in the providing of exterior, pathway and turn signal illumination. ISSUE: Is the merchandise classified as insulated wire fitted with connectors in Heading 8544, as parts of electrical lighting or signalling equipment for motor vehicles in Heading 8512, or as parts of motor vehicles in Heading 8708? -2- LAW AND ANALYSIS: In HQ Ruling 086940 (August 6, 1990), we held that similar automobile wiring harnesses, entered with lamps in their sockets, were classified as parts of electrical lighting or signalling equipment for vehicles in Heading 8512. We found that the harnesses with lamps were not classified in Heading 8544 as insulated wire fitted with connectors because the lamps are not "connectors". The harnesses were classified as parts of electrical lighting or signalling equipment for vehicles in Heading 8512, and were not classified in the more general provision for parts of motor vehicles in Heading 8708. There is no reason for classifying the harnesses under consideration in a different manner than the harnesses entered with lamps in their sockets in HQ Ruling 086940. The wiring harnesses under consideration are described by Heading 8512 as parts of electrical lighting or signalling equipment for motor vehicles. The harnesses are principally used as parts of lighting equipment and are classified in subheading 8512.90.60. HOLDING: The automobile wiring harnesses which are entered with lamps in their sockets are classified as parts of electrical lighting equipment for motor vehicles in 8512.90.60, HTSUSA. Sincerely, John Durant, Director Commercial Rulings Division