The tariff classification of grain storage containers from various countries.
Issued October 29, 2004 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 3926.90.9880, 9817.00.5000
Product description
The GrainPro Cocoon is a flexible, transportable hermetic container for long-term post-harvest storage of grains and other agricultural products, particularly rice, wheat and corn. The cocoons are made from food grade 35-mil polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic sheeting in capacities of 5 metric tons to 300 metric tons. They are of two-piece construction with a zipper to secure the top to the bottom. Commodities are typically stored inside the cocoon in standard 100-200 lb. jute bales. Once the container is sealed, any insects that are in the grains use up the available oxygen within a few days and die of asphyxiation. The low oxygen atmosphere prevents the growth of fungi as well. You have indicated that the storage containers may be manufactured in any of several unspecified countries. The classification below applies to containers made in countries with which the United States has Normal Trade Relations.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the PVC grain storage containers will be 3926.90.9880, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other articles of plastics, other.
Full text
NY R00992 October 29, 2004 CLA-2-39:RR:NC:SP:221 R00992 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 3926.90.9880; 9817.00.5000 Mr. Philippe Villers GrainPro, Inc. 200 Baker Avenue, Suite 309 Concord, MA 01742 RE: The tariff classification of grain storage containers from various countries. Dear Mr. Villers: In your letter dated October 26, 2004, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The GrainPro Cocoon is a flexible, transportable hermetic container for long-term post-harvest storage of grains and other agricultural products, particularly rice, wheat and corn. The cocoons are made from food grade 35-mil polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic sheeting in capacities of 5 metric tons to 300 metric tons. They are of two-piece construction with a zipper to secure the top to the bottom. Commodities are typically stored inside the cocoon in standard 100-200 lb. jute bales. Once the container is sealed, any insects that are in the grains use up the available oxygen within a few days and die of asphyxiation. The low oxygen atmosphere prevents the growth of fungi as well. You have indicated that the storage containers may be manufactured in any of several unspecified countries. The classification below applies to containers made in countries with which the United States has Normal Trade Relations. The applicable subheading for the PVC grain storage containers will be 3926.90.9880, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other articles of plastics, other. The general rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem. Machinery, equipment and implements to be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes are provided for under the special classification provision of subheading 9817.00.5000, HTS. Upon compliance with the actual use requirements of Section 10.131-139 of the Customs Regulations, the grain storage cocoon would be classifiable in subheading 9817.00.5000, HTS, and would be free of duty. 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 Joan Mazzola at 646-733-3023. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
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