The tariff classification of a plug adapter set from China.

N073116 September 15, 2009 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:E:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8536.69.8000 Ms. Charlotte J. Chowning Jasco Products Company 10 E. Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73114 RE: The tariff classification of a plug adapter set from China. Dear Ms. Chowning: In your letter dated August 21, 2009 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration is described as the Gender Changer Adapter Kit, item number 26851. It consists of one each of a DB9 Female to Female adapter, a DB9 Male to Male adapter, a DB25 Female to Female adapter, and a DB25 Male to Male adapter, packaged together for retail sale. From the information provided, these adapters are comprised a rectangular plastic housing containing a D-type connector at each end, and allow the user to link together two devices or cables that have connectors of the same gender, as specified by the particular adapter model. These adapters contain no electronic circuitry and are simply passive connectors that do not alter or convert electrical signals in any way. In your ruling request you suggest classification of the Gender Changer Adapter Kit in 8471.80.1000, as an automatic data processing (ADP) machine controller or adapter unit. However, there is no indication that these adapters are doing anything more than making a passive connection. The applicable subheading for the Gender Changer Adapter Kit, item number 26851, will be 8536.69.8000, 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 example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes) for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V…: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.7 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