The tariff classification of light utility hovercraft vessels from Canada

NY 814433 September 19, 1995 CLA-2-89:R:N1:106 814433 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8901.10.0000 Mr. Lewis Adkins Can west Hovercraft 1576 Merklin Street White Rock, British Columbia V4B 5K2 Canada RE: The tariff classification of light utility hovercraft vessels from Canada Dear Mr. Adkins: In your letter dated August 28, 1995 you requested a tariff classification ruling. You included descriptive literature with your request. Your letter describes these vessels as light utility hovercraft. You state that these craft are principally used in commerce and in public safety endeavors, all of which appear from the literature to be uses designed for the transport of person. The literature shows 6 different models: 502B, 502L, 504B, 504L, 506LT and 509LT. The third number in each model designation tells the number of seats for that model The first four models employ a single 100 HP modified Honda engine, while the last two models employ two such engines. The applicable subheading for these hovercraft models will be 8901.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels principally designed for the transport of persons. The rate of duty will be free. You also asked about the applicability of the "Jones Act" to these vessels. Such questions should be directed to the Office of Regulations and Rulings, Carrier Rulings Branch, U.S. Customs Service Headquarters, 1301 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20229. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 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 Patrick J. Wholey at 212-466-5668. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director National Commodity Specialist Division