The tariff classification of zinc sleeves, plastic sleeves, aluminum shells, and copper (bronze or brass) shells used in the assembly of detonators

N166449 June 9, 2011 CLA-2-79:OT:RR:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7907.00.6000; 7616.99.5090; 7419.99.5050; 3926.90.9980 Mr. Abel Medina Parker & Company P.O. Box 271 4694 Coffee Port Road Brownsville, TX 78522 RE: The tariff classification of zinc sleeves, plastic sleeves, aluminum shells, and copper (bronze or brass) shells used in the assembly of detonators Dear Mr. Medina: In your letter dated May 11, 2011, on behalf of Austin Star Detonator, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples of the subject sleeves and shells, and engineering/drawing specifications for the subject articles were submitted for our review. The merchandise under consideration is identified in your letter as zinc sleeves, plastic sleeves, aluminum shells, and copper (bronze or brass) shells without explosive charge components. You indicated in your letter that the articles in question are some of the components that are used in the assembly of electronic and non-electronic (shock tube) detonators. You stated that “At present these components are purchased in the United States and are of United States and Mexican origin. Austin Star Detonator is looking at sourcing these components from other countries. These components would be imported by Austin Star Detonators into the United States, then exported to their assembly facility in Mexico.” You indicated that the sleeves and shells are imported in various lengths. The zinc sleeves are imported in lengths including 8.3, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25.5, 30 and 36 mm. The plastic sleeves are imported in lengths including 0.755, 0.850, 0.945 and 1.040 inches. The aluminum shells are imported in lengths including 2.43 inches with an outside diameter of 0.282 inches, and 2.44, 2.985, 3.30 and 3.94 inches all with an outside diameter of 0.296 inches. The copper (bronze and brass) shells are imported in a length of 3.94 inches. Our office agrees with your proposed classifications for the zinc sleeves under heading 7907, the plastic sleeves under heading 3926, the aluminum shells under heading 7616, and the copper (bronze or brass) shells under heading 7419, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). You also proposed a possible classification for the shells in heading 9306, HTSUS. The National Import Specialist that handles heading 9306, HTSUS, has stated that the shells in question are “not munitions of war or similar items - not a 9306 part”. The applicable subheading for the zinc sleeves will be 7907.00.6000, HTSUS, which provides for other articles of zinc, other. The rate of duty will be 3 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the aluminum shells will be 7616.99.5090, 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. The applicable subheading for the copper (brass or bronze) shells will be 7419.99.5050, HTSUS, which provides for other articles of copper, other, other, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be free. The applicable subheading for the plastic sleeves will be 3926.90.9980, HTSUS, which provides for other articles of plastics, other. The rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem. 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