The tariff classification of lamp crushers from England

NY 876815 August 13, 1992 CLA-2-84:S:N:N1:103 876815 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8479.82.0080 Mr. Malcolm Carter United Sales & Marketing 28 Rices Lane Westport, CT 06880-1922 RE: The tariff classification of lamp crushers from England Dear Mr. Carter: In your letter dated July 20, 1992 you requested a tariff classification ruling. Model FSL lamp crushers are wall-mounted machines designed for the safe and efficient disposal of used or unwanted fluorescent and sodium light bulbs. Standard FSL models can accept up to 20 fluorescent tubes ranging from 4 to 8 feet in length, while the Maxi models can hold up to 30 tubes at one time. The machines basically consist of an outer rectangular stainless steel housing, manually or pneumatically operated crushing mechanism, water spray, air vents, and a removable bin. Bulbs are loaded into the crushing chamber through front doors fitted with a safety interlock to prevent operation while the doors are open. The machines crush the bulbs without producing excessive amounts of fine materials or hazardous gases. Water is sprayed onto the crushed lamps both to dampen harmful dust and vapors which can be generated during the crushing cycle as well as to minimize the risks of fire or explosion associated with sodium bulbs. The numerous air vents in the outer housing obviate the need for electric fans. The crushed debris falls into a removable bin, and a drain valve in the bin allows spray water to be drained. These machines are capable of reducing bulbs to one-fifth of their original volume. The applicable subheading for the model FSL lamp crushers will be 8479.82.0080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere: other machines and mechanical appliances: mixing, kneading crushing, grinding, screening, sifting, homogenizing, emulsifying or stirring machines. The rate of duty will be 3.7 percent ad valorem. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the transaction. Sincerely, Jean F. Maguire Area Director New York Seaport