The tariff classification of a financial card encoder from China.

N025511 May 1, 2008 CLA-2-84:OT:RR:NC:1:120 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8471.80.9000 Ms. Judy Joy Datacard Corporation 11111 Bren Road West Minnetonka, MN 55343 RE: The tariff classification of a financial card encoder from China. Dear Ms. Joy: In your letter dated March 26, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration is the Datacard 150i Card Personalization System. This desktop machine produces ready-to-use financial cards for banks, retailers, and similar institutions. It takes pre-printed plastic card stock, encodes customer information on the card’s magnetic stripe and/or smart card chip, and embosses pertinent information such as the card holder’s name, account number, and expiration date on the card face. The card may then be issued to the customer for immediate use. According to the Datacard website (www.datacard.com), The Datacard 150i is capable of encoding up to three tracks of magnetic stripes and either contact or contactless smart card personalization. The unit measures approximately 24 inches long by 17.75 inches wide by 11 inches high, and is connectable to and communicates with a host automatic data processing (ADP) machine by means of an RS-232 connection. The user configures the card output using specific smart card issuance and development software installed on the ADP machine; the customer’s data file information is sent to the Datacard 150i through the RS-232 connection, and the Datacard 150i produces the card based on that information. The Datacard 150i meets the requirements of Note 5(C) of Chapter 84, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) as a unit of an ADP system. It is solely or principally used in an ADP system, it is connectable to the central processing unit (CPU) directly or through one or more other units, and is able to accept or deliver data in a form (codes or signals) which can be used by the system. The applicable subheading for the Datacard 150i Card Personalization System will be 8471.80.9000, HTSUS, which provides for “Automatic data processing machines and units thereof…: Other units of automatic data processing machines: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be Free. 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 Denise Faingar at 646-733-3010. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division