E86434 E8 Ruling Active

The tariff classification of a fuel cell stack and enclosed unit from Canada

Issued September 20, 1999 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tariff classification

HTS codes: 8501.62.0000, 8503.00.9500

Headings: 8503, 8501

GRI rules applied: GRI 2(a)

Product description

The merchandise is a P2B Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power Plant. The fuel cell power plant makes use of a fuel processor to extract hydrogen from natural gas. The hydrogen is then fed into a fuel stack, which generates water, heat and DC electricity. An electrical inverter converts the DC current to 250kW AC current. Because of the delicacy of the stack, you intend to import the stack and the enclosed unit in separate importations. GRI 2(a) extends the scope of a heading to cover incomplete articles, provided that the incomplete article has the essential character of the complete article. In the opinion of this office, the stack has the essential character of the completed fuel cell power plant.

CBP rationale

The applicable subheading for the fuel cell stack will be 8501.62.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for AC generators, of an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA. The applicable subheading for the enclosed unit will be 8503.00.9545, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for parts of generators.

Full text

NY E86434 September 20, 1999 CLA-2-85:RR:NC:N1:113 E86434 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8501.62.0000; 8503.00.9500 Ms. Kathy Smale Cinergy Services 1000 East Main Street Plainfield, IN 46168-1782 RE: The tariff classification of a fuel cell stack and enclosed unit from Canada Dear Ms. Smale: In your letter dated August 23, 1999, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise is a P2B Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power Plant. The fuel cell power plant makes use of a fuel processor to extract hydrogen from natural gas. The hydrogen is then fed into a fuel stack, which generates water, heat and DC electricity. An electrical inverter converts the DC current to 250kW AC current. Because of the delicacy of the stack, you intend to import the stack and the enclosed unit in separate importations. GRI 2(a) extends the scope of a heading to cover incomplete articles, provided that the incomplete article has the essential character of the complete article. In the opinion of this office, the stack has the essential character of the completed fuel cell power plant. The applicable subheading for the fuel cell stack will be 8501.62.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for AC generators, of an output exceeding 75 kVA but not exceeding 375 kVA. The general rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the enclosed unit will be 8503.00.9545, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for parts of generators. The general rate of duty will be 3 percent ad valorem. 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 James Smyth at 212-637-7008. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division

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