The tariff classification of porcelain lampholders from China.

N065055 July 1, 2009 CLA-2-94:OT:RR:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9405.10.8010 Ms. Pam Reeder Evans and Wood & Co., Inc. 900 Town and Country, Ste. 150 Houston, TX 77024 RE: The tariff classification of porcelain lampholders from China. Dear Ms. Reeder: In your letter dated June 8, 2009, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client Jasco Products Company. The merchandise under consideration are Porcelain Lamp-holders. Samples of four lampholders, identified as Item numbers 50176, 18304, 18303 and 50177, were submitted with your ruling request and will be returned to you. The four submitted samples are commonly known as keyless lamp holders, which are plastic or porcelain light fixtures that may operate with a pull string, and are typically found in unfinished basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms or attics. Keyless lamp holders are acceptable fixtures for permanent installations. These fixtures are constructed of high-strength insulator porcelain. They are designed with mounting holes for installing onto ceilings or walls by use of a 3¼ inch or 4 inch octagon or round electrical box. Each fixture consists of a standard Edison base lamp socket mounted into the center of a disk-shaped porcelain light fixture measuring approximately 4½ inches in diameter. The fixtures are rated for up to 250 Volts (V) for use with lamps of up to 660 Watts (W). Item numbers 50176 and 18304 are identical keyless lamp holders which must be operated by a separate wall switch. Item 18303 is a keyless lamp holder with a pull chain that activates a built-in On/Off switch. Item 50177 is also a keyless lamp holder with built-in On/Off switch activated by a pull chain and includes a three-prong polarized grounded receptacle or outlet molded into the porcelain fixture. In your letter you suggest classification under 8536.60.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), a provision for lamp-holders. However, as stated above keyless lamp holders are acceptable light fixtures for permanent installations and are specifically provided for under heading 9405, HTSUS. The addition of an outlet and/or pull chain switch is subsidiary to the article’s primary function as a light fixture. The applicable subheading for the four Porcelain Lamp-holders, Item numbers 50176, 18304, 18303 and 50177 will be 9405.10.8010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Lamps and lighting fittings…: Chandeliers and other electric ceiling or wall lighting fittings…: Other: Household.” The general rate of duty will be 3.9 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 Thomas Campanelli at (646) 733-3016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division