The tariff classification of an RS232 – IR Converter from China

N035105 August 22, 2008 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8543.70.9650 Mr. Gerald Reyes Trade Compliance Administrator Life Fitness 10600 W. Belmont Ave Franklin Park, IL 60131 RE: The tariff classification of an RS232 – IR Converter from China Dear Mr. Reyes: In an undated letter, received by this office on August 7, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The item concerned is an RS232 - IR converter. This device is used on various Life Fitness brand exercise equipment. The particular exercise equipment that utilizes this device incorporates a television receiver. This exercise equipment also incorporates an EZ-Control Console. The EZ-Control Console is mounted directly on the exercise machine. It is used to control and monitor the various components/programs of the exercise machine. This control console is also used to control the functions of the television receiver. In the past, the EZ-Control Console was able to control the television receiver directly, by using the RS232 communications protocol. The newer models of television receivers can only be controlled using infrared (IR) pulse signals. Due to the fact that the newer models of television receivers operate solely using IR pulse signals, it has become necessary to convert the RS232 signal which is used by the exercise equipment’s control console, to an IR pulse signal which is used by the newer televisions. In use, this device is connected between the exercise equipment’s EZ-Control Console and the television receiver. This module converts the RS232 signal from the control panel to an IR pulse signal, which is used to control the newer television receivers. The applicable subheading for the RS232 - IR converter will be 8543.70.9650, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions…: Other machines and apparatus: Other: Other: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 2.6%. 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 Steve Pollichino at (646) 733-3008. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division