The tariff classification of aluminum couplings from China

N050818 February 11, 2009 CLA-2-76:OT:RR:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7616.99.5090 Ms. Lara A. Austrins Rodriguez O’Donnell Gonzalez & Williams, P.C. 8430 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 525 Chicago, IL 60631 RE: The tariff classification of aluminum couplings from China Dear Ms. Austrins: In your letter dated January 30, 2009, on behalf of Kuriyama of America, Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples of the aluminum couplings were submitted for our review. The merchandise is described in your letter as aluminum quick acting camlock couplings used for connecting layflat composite hoses. The hoses are used in a variety of industrial and agricultural applications. The merchandise consists of a female coupler (part number CGCLF) and a male adaptor for the coupler (part number CGELF). The coupler and adaptor are made of aluminum and imported in various sizes. You indicated that the couplings may be imported alone or with adaptors. The coupler and adaptor are unthreaded on both ends. The coupler has two locking cam arms on one end. The shank end of the coupler and the adaptor are fitted with two black rubber bands that maximize performance for the hoses. The grooved end of the adaptor is inserted into the end of the coupler with the locking cam arms. Once inserted, the coupling is sealed by moving the locking arms into the locked position. After the adaptor and coupler are joined together, the coupling is used to connect composite hoses. The applicable subheading for the aluminum couplings will be 7616.99.5090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of aluminum, other, other, other, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be 2.5 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 Ann Taub at 646-733-3018. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division