10 newer rulings cite the same tariff codes.
Classification can shift over time. Review the more recent rulings below before relying on this one.
The tariff classification of a solid state sensor for presence detection from France
Issued January 20, 1999 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Cite this ruling
Copies to clipboardD8 D86306 (January 20, 1999)
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 8541.40.8000
Headings: 8541
Product description
This device is also described as a photoelectric sensor and an optical sensor. The model in question is an AC/DC relay circuit type. This sensor contains a light emitting diode (LED) emitter and a photo-transistor or photo-diode receiver. The purpose of this device is to indicate the presence or absence of objects or materials, which can be solids, liquids or gases. The LED emits a light beam which is received by the photosensitive receiver. This model is used with a reflector that returns the light beam from the emitter to the receiver. The design allows an object to be detected when the light path is interrupted. Explanatory Note 85.41(B)(iii) lists as types of photosensitive semiconductors: Photocouples and photorelays consisting of electroluminescent diodes combined with photodiodes, phototransistors or photothyristors. In HQ 088341, HQ 957646, HQ 957510 we held that similar sensors were classified as optical coupled isolators.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for solid state sensor model number XUJM060319 will be 8541.40.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for “[p]hotosensitive semiconductor devices.
Full text
NY D86306 January 20, 1999 CLA-2-85:RR:NC:MM:109 D86306 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8541.40.8000 Ms. Carol A. Demuth Square D Company 1415 South Roselle Road Palatine, IL 60067-7399 RE: The tariff classification of a solid state sensor for presence detection from France Dear Ms Demuth: In your letter dated December 21, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise is described in your letter and submitted descriptive literature as a solid state sensor for presence detection. The model number is XUJM060319. A sample was submitted. This device is also described as a photoelectric sensor and an optical sensor. The model in question is an AC/DC relay circuit type. This sensor contains a light emitting diode (LED) emitter and a photo-transistor or photo-diode receiver. The purpose of this device is to indicate the presence or absence of objects or materials, which can be solids, liquids or gases. The LED emits a light beam which is received by the photosensitive receiver. This model is used with a reflector that returns the light beam from the emitter to the receiver. The design allows an object to be detected when the light path is interrupted. Explanatory Note 85.41(B)(iii) lists as types of photosensitive semiconductors: Photocouples and photorelays consisting of electroluminescent diodes combined with photodiodes, phototransistors or photothyristors. In HQ 088341, HQ 957646, HQ 957510 we held that similar sensors were classified as optical coupled isolators. The applicable subheading for solid state sensor model number XUJM060319 will be 8541.40.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for “[p]hotosensitive semiconductor devices...[o]ther: [o]ptical coupled isolators.” The rate of duty will be free. 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 Eileen S. Kaplan at 212-466-5673. After January 28, 1999, the telephone number will be changed to 212-637-7048. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
Ruling history
Photosensor; Photointerrupter; Heading 8541; Explanatory Note85.41; Subheading 8541.40.80; McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Scienceand Technology; Heading 8536; Explanatory Note 85.36(I);Subheading 8536.50.00; Kyocera International, Inc. v. UnitedStates; H. Rep. No. 100-576; IEEE Standard Dictionary ofElectrical and Electronic Terms.
Reconsideration of HQ 953561; San Francisco Newspaper Printing Co. v. U.S.;Opto Sensor; Optical Coupled Sensor; Explanatory Notes 85.41(B) and (C); HQ 088341; Chapter 85, Note 5; 8536.50.80
Photosensors; Safety Light Curtains; Optical Coupled Sensors; Explanatory Notes 85.41(B) and (C); HQ 088341; Chapter 85, Note 5; 8536.50.80
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The classification and country of origin of a safety light barrier
The classification and country of origin of a safety light curtain
The tariff classification of a “Tailing Sensor” from an unspecified country of origin
The tariff classification of Air Quality Sensor and a Distance measuring Sensor. No country of origin was given.
The tariff classification of three microelectronic power IC photovoltaic relays from an unspecified country
The tariff classification of Opto Board (photo interrupter sensor) from an unspecified country
The tariff classification of a safety light curtain from Germany
The tariff classification of obstacle detection devices from Japan
The tariff classification of a close crane warning infrared sensor from Japan
The tariff classification of Sunx Fiber Sensors from Japan
Follow D86306
Get an email if this ruling is revoked or modified, or a newer ruling supersedes it.
One email per day at most. Confirm your address once, unsubscribe anytime.
Searching CBP rulings the smart way
Rulings are precedent. See which ones apply to your product: TariffLens semantically searches all 200,000+ CBP rulings and builds defensible classifications backed by ruling citations.