N171203 N1 Ruling Active

The tariff classification of sensor switch from China. Correction to Ruling Number N167095.

Issued June 17, 2011 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tariff classification

HTS codes: 8536.50.9065

Headings: 8536

Product description

The Detect-A-Fire sensor switch is imported into the United States as a subassembly, manufactured in China from individual components from various countries. It consists of a metal tube measuring approximately 4 inches in length and has a diameter of ½ inch. The metal tube is soldered onto a ¾ inch threaded metal fitting for mounting into a standard ¾ inch knock-out commonly found on junction boxes. Sealed within the sensor switch are two contact pads mounted onto inner struts made of a lower expanding metal alloy. When the surrounding temperature rises to the switches “set point,” the inner struts trigger, closing the metal contacts, making a connection in an electrical circuit. Four wire leads extend out of the threaded fitting for connecting the switch into a two or four wire electrical system in a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) configuration. After importation, the sensor switch is further processed into the finished item, calibrated to a specific set point and tested. As imported, the Detect-A-Fire sensor switch has the essential character of an apparatus for switching in an electrical circuit; it is advanced to the point where it is recognizable and dedicated for such use. Therefore the country of origin is China.

CBP rationale

The applicable subheading for the Detect-A-Fire sensor switch will be 8536.50.9065, 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, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other switches: Other: Other: Other.

Full text

N171203 June 17, 2011 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8536.50.9065 Mr. Gilbert Walton Kidde Fenwal 400 Main Street Ashland, MA 01721 RE: The tariff classification of sensor switch from China. Correction to Ruling Number N167095. Dear Mr. Walton: This replaces Ruling Number N167095, dated June 9, 2011, which contained a clerical error. The tariff number was incorrectly typed as 8536.50.9056 rather than the correct tariff number of 8536.50.9065. A complete corrected ruling follows. The item under consideration is the Detect-A-Fire sensor switch. A sample of the sensor switch as imported was submitted with your ruling request and will be returned to you. The Detect-A-Fire sensor switch is imported into the United States as a subassembly, manufactured in China from individual components from various countries. It consists of a metal tube measuring approximately 4 inches in length and has a diameter of ½ inch. The metal tube is soldered onto a ¾ inch threaded metal fitting for mounting into a standard ¾ inch knock-out commonly found on junction boxes. Sealed within the sensor switch are two contact pads mounted onto inner struts made of a lower expanding metal alloy. When the surrounding temperature rises to the switches “set point,” the inner struts trigger, closing the metal contacts, making a connection in an electrical circuit. Four wire leads extend out of the threaded fitting for connecting the switch into a two or four wire electrical system in a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) configuration. After importation, the sensor switch is further processed into the finished item, calibrated to a specific set point and tested. As imported, the Detect-A-Fire sensor switch has the essential character of an apparatus for switching in an electrical circuit; it is advanced to the point where it is recognizable and dedicated for such use. Therefore the country of origin is China. The applicable subheading for the Detect-A-Fire sensor switch will be 8536.50.9065, 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, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other switches: Other: 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

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