The tariff classification of wire-nuts and end connectors from China

N057307 April 28, 2009 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8546.90.0000, 8536.90.4000 Mr. Dave Melanson Vice President, Operations Best Lighting Products 1213 Etna Parkway Pataskala, OH 43062 RE: The tariff classification of wire-nuts and end connectors from China Dear Mr. Melanson: In your letter which was received by this office on April 13, 2009, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The samples which you submitted are being retained by this office. The merchandise under consideration are wire-nuts and end connectors. The sample wire-nuts you submitted are cone-shaped and comprised of a thermoplastic shell. The wire-nuts vary in size and range from .50 inches in length to 1.50 inches in length. At the open end, they are all threaded internally and contain a spring or coil of metal wire. There are three styles of wire-nut: the winged wire-nut, the easy cap wire-nut and the barreled wire-nut. These items are used in electrical applications in which two or more wires are joined. The electrical wires are usually twisted together by hand or pliers and the wire nut placed over the splice and turned to insure a tight connection between the wires. The wire nuts serve as insulators over the splice and protect against unintended grounding. All three styles of wire-nuts are UL94V-2 flame retardant and are also UL listed. These items will be sold in home centers and hardware stores. The sample end connectors are cone-shaped and comprised of a polyamide shell. The end connectors measure approximately .50 inches in length. Within the open end, they contain a metallic crimping ring. These connectors are used to fasten two or more electrical conductors (wire) together. The electrical wires would be inserted into the connector and using a crimping tool, the connector would be crimped around the wires. The end connectors are UL94V-2 flame retardant and are also UL listed. These items will be sold in home centers and hardware stores. The applicable subheading for the wire-nuts will be 8546.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical insulators of any material: Other”. The rate of duty will be free. The applicable subheading for the end connectors will be 8536.90.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits…for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other apparatus: Terminals, electrical splices and electrical couplings; wafer probers." The general 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 Steve Pollichino at 646-733-3008 or National Import Specialist Thomas Campanelli at 646-733-3016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division