The tariff classification of programmable timers from China

N260802 January 30, 2015 CLA-2-85:OT:RR:NC:N1:120 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8537.10.9060 Mr. Colin R. Chipman Hampton Products International50 Icon Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 RE:  The tariff classification of programmable timers from China Dear Mr. Chipman:In your letter dated January 13, 2015, you requested a tariff classification ruling for two electronic timer devices. The merchandise under consideration is identified as the “Timer Digital Polarized 1 Outlet,” Item 44-1011, and the “Brinks Heavy Duty Preset Timer,” Item 44-1065. It is stated that these timers do not contain watch or clock movements, nor do they have a synchronous motor. Item 44-1011 is an indoor programmable timer that consists of a rectangular plastic housing that measures 3 inches in length x 2.125 inches in width x 1 inch in depth. It is powered by a 2-prong plug at the back of the unit that gets inserted into a 120V wall outlet, and features a 2-prong receptacle on the bottom of the housing. It incorporates a programmable chip designed to program electrical devices/electronics that are plugged into it in order to turn them “on” and “off” at different time intervals. It contains a relay and keeps intervals of time via its integrated circuit, and has a digital LCD screen with 5 pushbutton switches used to set program cycles. Item 44-1065 is an outdoor programmable timer constructed of a plastic housing and is used to turn electrical lights and/or electronics “on” or “off” at designated settings via its programmable chip, by making or breaking electrical circuits. This timer is powered by a 3-prong grounded plug that is inserted into an electrical outlet. Attached to the plug is a six inch AWG #14L approved PVC cable which connects to the timer. There are two, 3-prong receptacles on the bottom of the plastic housing designed to accommodate electrical/electronic devices. The front of this timer features a circular dial with seven settings which include 4 time settings, an “On” and “Off” switch, and a “dawn-to-dusk” setting activated by a photo cell. The applicable subheading for both the “Timer Digital Polarized 1 Outlet,” Item 44-1011, and the “Brinks Heavy Duty Preset Timer,” Item 44-1065 will be 8537.10.9060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity…: For a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V: Other: Other: Programmable controllers.” 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 Denise M. Faingar at: [email protected].Sincerely, Gwenn Klein Kirschner Director National Commodity Specialist Division