The tariff classification of a flexible printed circuit from Philippines, China, and Taiwan

NY M86565 October 3, 2006 CLA-2-85:RR:NC:MM:109 M86565 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8534.00.0080 Mr. Michael C. Perez Symbol Technologies, Inc. 5400 George Mc Vay Drive Mc Allen, TX 78503 RE: The tariff classification of a flexible printed circuit from Philippines, China, and Taiwan Dear Mr. Perez: In your letter dated September 19, 2006, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise subject to this ruling is a flexible printed circuit. It is identified within your letter as Part Number 24-77500-01 (59-78338-XX). A sample of the flexible printed circuit was submitted revealing that it has non-printed electrical connectors on both ends of it. However, it does not contain any non-printed (discrete) active or passive elements. The flexible printed circuit is used in various laser scanners and automatic data processing machines. In a laser scanner, the scan module or scan engine is the actual mechanism within it that reads or scans a barcode. Because the space is limited in the housing of a laser scanner, these small flexible printed circuits are used to transfer data and electricity between the circuit board and the scan engine. The non-printed electrical connectors on the flexible printed circuit enables the scan module or scan engine to connect to a printed circuit board within the a laser scanner. The flexible printed circuit enables a similar type of electrical connection within an automatic data processing machine. While this item was specifically designed for Symbol Technologies nothing precludes this from being used in a different implement that was compatible. The applicable subheading for the flexible printed circuit Part Number 24-77500-01 (59-78338-XX) will be 8534.00.0080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Printed circuits: Other: Flexible type.” The rate of duty will be 4.9 percent ad valorem. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 Linda M. Hackett at 646-733-3015. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division