The tariff classification of circular steel precision shafts from Germany.

NY H80816 May 10, 2001 CLA-2-72:RR:NC:1:117 H80816 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7215.10.00; 7215.90.30; 7222.20.00; 7304.31.60; 7304.41.30; 7304.41.60 Mr. James J. Kelly Barthco Trade Consultants, Inc. 7575 Holstein Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 RE: The tariff classification of circular steel precision shafts from Germany. Dear Mr. Kelly: In your letter dated April 26, 2001 on behalf of SKF Linear Motion and Precision Technologies, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Descriptive literature and a representative sample were submitted with your ruling request. The products to be imported are described as precision steel shafts that have been induction hardened and ground. The shafts are circular in cross section and may be solid or hollow. They will be imported in lengths ranging from 100 mm to 4 meters and cut to length after importation. The solid shafts will be imported in a wide range of diameters. The representative sample measures 1 3/16 inches in diameter and 7 ¾ inches in length. The hollow shafts have a minimum outside diameter of 16 mm. The shafts are made from nonalloy free-cutting steel and stainless steel. Some of the nonalloy steel shafts are plated with chromium. Some of the solid shafts have radial holes along the length. Some of the solid shafts have “plug and socket” ends—the ends of some shafts have axial holes drilled or bored on one or both ends while some shafts have been machined on one end to reduce the diameter, thus forming a “plug”. The shafts will be used with linear ball bearings for linear guides, but can also be used for other purposes, for instance axles or column sleeves. The applicable subheading for the solid “plain end” nonalloy free-cutting steel shafts that have not been metal plated will be 7215.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other bars and rods of iron or nonalloy steel, of free-cutting steel, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished. The rate of duty will be 2.2 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the solid “plain end” nonalloy steel shafts that have been metal plated will be 7215.90.3000, HTS, which provides for other bars and rods of iron or nonalloy steel, other, plated or coated with metal, cold-formed. The rate of duty will be 2.2 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the solid “plain end” stainless steel shafts will be 7222.20.00, HTS, which provides for other bars and rods of stainless steel, bars and rods, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished. The rate of duty will be 3.2 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the hollow (hollow throughout the entire length) nonalloy steel shafts, if cold-drawn or cold-reduced, will be 7304.31.60, HTS, which provides for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel, other, of circular cross section, of iron or nonalloy steel, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), other. The rate of duty will be 2.4 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the hollow (hollow throughout the entire length) stainless steel shafts, if cold-drawn or cold-reduced, having an external diameter of 16 mm but less than 19 mm will be 7304.41.30, HTS, which provides for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel, other, of circular cross section, of stainless steel, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), of an external diameter of less than 19 mm. The rate of duty will be 2.3 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the hollow (hollow throughout the entire length) stainless steel shafts, if cold-drawn or cold-reduced, having an external diameter of 19 mm or more will be 7304.41.60, HTS, which provides for tubes, pipes and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel, other, of circular cross section, of stainless steel, cold-drawn or cold-rolled (cold-reduced), other. The rate of duty will be 2.3 percent ad valorem. The shafts that have radial holes and which are solely or principally used with the linear bearings of heading 8482 are classified as parts of such bearings in subheading 8482.99, depending on the type of rolling element employed in the bearing. Additional information must be provided on the “plug and socket” shafts with regard to use. 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 Paula Ilardi at 212-637-7016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division