The tariff classification of a one-way clutch bearing from Japan

NY A80203 March 14, 1995 CLA-2-84:RR:NC:4:102 A80203 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8483.60.4000 Mr. Richard M. Belanger Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 RE: The tariff classification of a one-way clutch bearing from Japan Dear Mr. Belanger: In your letter dated February 9, 1996, on behalf of your client, Koyo Corporation of U.S.A., you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise at issue is a one-way clutch bearing (part no. TT0946 FGP0100) for use in a washing machine transmission. While this item does resemble a ball bearing, even down to incorporating the outer race of a 6205 deep grove radial ball bearing, its function is to act as an overrunning clutch. In the wash cycle the shaft of the clutch is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the inner and outer races to "lock up", thereby allowing for transmission of power. In the spin cycle the shaft is driven in the opposite direction, which unlocks the clutch and allows it to free-rotate. The unit consists of steel inner and outer races, polished balls, and a unique cage design (note attached drawing). The cage is split into two halves, with the balls occupying the center portion and sprague clutch-like cams positioned on the outer edges. Two retaining washers are placed against the sides of the cage to hold the cams. When the unit rotates in one direction, the cams are pushed downwards and the unit free rotates on the balls. When reverse direction is applied the cams are pulled up and literally jam between the two raceways, causing the bearing to lock up and allowing rotational torque to be transferred between the drive shaft and the component that the clutch is pressed into. The applicable subheading for the one-way clutch bearing will be 8483.60.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for clutches and universal joints. The rate of duty will be 4.5 percent ad valorem. It is the opinion of this office that the instant item would not be subject to antidumping duties under the current Department of Commerce antifriction bearing dumping investigation, as published in the Federal Register on May 15, 1989. Clutches and pulleys are not covered by the scope of this order. Should you desire a binding ruling on the applicability of this ADA case to your merchandise, please write directly to the Department of Commerce, Office of Compliance, Washington, D.C. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 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 Karl J. Riedl at 212-466-5493. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director National Commodity Specialist Division