The country of origin marking requirements for fittings from Taiwan.

NY A88396 October 16, 1996 MAR-2-05:RR:NC:1:115 A88396 CATEGORY: Marking Mr. Lawrence R. Pilon Hodes & Pilon 33 North Dearborn Street Suite 2204 Chicago, IL 60602-9109 RE: The country of origin marking requirements for fittings from Taiwan. Dear Mr. Pilon: In your letter dated October 1, 1996, you requested a ruling on the country of origin marking requirements for brass "quick connect" pipe/hose fittings, on behalf of Civacon, Cincinnati, OH. Civacon is an importer of castings for various purposes. The sample submitted marked exhibit A is a brass pipe hose fitting. The size of the fitting is approximately 5" long with a 3" diameter. In your letter, you cite Section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (U.S.C. Section 1304) as what the marking requirements would be for the brass pipe fittings. That Section provides in general that any article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the United States must be marked conspicuously, indelibly, legibly and as permanently as the nature of the article will permit in such manner as to indicate the country of origin to the ultimate purchaser in the United States. Your sample is marked with the country of origin Taiwan by means of an ink-stamped on the unpolished area of the fitting. The size of the lettering is approximately 1/8". The marking is clearly visible and in a conspicuous manner. This office further notes that the brass pipe fitting is exempt from marking as described in 19 U.S.C. Section 1304(c)(1) by virtue of the fact that the product is made of brass rather than steel. The sample fitting is properly marked and meets the requirements setforth on Section 304. 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, Roger J. Silvestri Area Director National Commodity Specialist Division