The tariff classification of a connector part from China

N252553 May 6, 2014 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8538.90.8080 Mr. John M. Strough Mohawk Global Logistics PO Box 3065 Syracuse, NY 13220 RE: The tariff classification of a connector part from China Dear Mr. Strough: In your letter dated April 15, 2014, you requested a tariff classification ruling, on behalf of your client PPC Broadband Inc., DBA PPC. Samples of the individual Nut and the Nut incorporated into a connector were provided and will be returned to you. The item is identified as Model CD CDS000157 Nut, SNS, .438 Hex. The item is a cylindrical Nut with raised hex sides measuring approximately 10 millimeters high by 13 millimeters in diameter at its widest point. The Nut is made of alloy brass and subsequently plated with nickel for corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. The Nut is specifically designed to be assembled onto a matching connector for coaxial cable. It is primarily used in the transmission of cable television and broadband radio frequency (RF) data network signals. Once assembled, the Nut becomes a permanent part of the connector, held captive to the connector facilitating the proper electrical signal transmission through the coupled interface. You have emphasized that this Nut is specially designed to match the intended coaxial connector preventing it from being useful as a common or generic machine component. The applicable subheading for Model CD CDS000157 Nut, SNS, .438 Hex will be 8538.90.8080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for "Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other." The general rate of duty will be 3.5 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 Hope Abada at [email protected]. Sincerely, Gwenn Klein Kirschner Acting Director National Commodity Specialist Division