The tariff classification of catheter cable from Germany

N235300 November 19, 2012 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:112 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8544.49.1000 Ms. Adrienne Braumiller Braumiller Schulz LLP International Trade Law 5220 Spring Valley Rd., Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75254 RE: The tariff classification of catheter cable from Germany Dear Ms. Braumiller: In your letter dated November 8, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The item concerned is referred to as an electrical catheter cable assembly (part # 2232384). The cable is made of insulated copper wire within an outer sheath. It is imported in continuous lengths on spools. The cable does not incorporate electrical connectors. The cable consists of twisted sets of silver plated copper alloy wires. The wires are twisted 2 to a pair and then twisted again in sets of 3 with a silver plated copper alloy drain wire. The assembly is then surrounded by wire shielding and jacketed in an insulating outer sheath. After importation into the United States the cable is cut to length and finished into the final catheter cable assembly. This cable connects a catheter to the Carto 3 system. The Carto 3 system is used to create a 3-D anatomical map of the heart and is also used to ablate (burn or cauterize) tissue in the heart. Each end of the finished cable will incorporate a circular connector. One end attaches to a multi-pole catheter, the opposite end attaches to the Carto 3 system. This particular cable is not used to provide power. It is used to transmit very low voltage signals, containing information and data, between the catheter and the Carto 3 system. The applicable subheading for the catheter cable assembly (part # 2232384) will be 8544.49.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Insulated wire…: Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other: For a voltage not exceeding 80 V: Of a kind used for telecommunications”. The 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 Steven Pollichino at (646) 733-3008. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division