The tariff classification of tire chain from Italy
Active· CBP ruling HQ 861188· Issued 1991-03-15
Ruling text
NY 861188
MAR 15, 1991
CLA-2-73:S:N:N1:103 861188
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 7315.20.1000
Mr. Richard J. Housman
Geo. S. Bush & Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 8829
Portland, Or. 97208
RE: The tariff classification of tire chain from Italy
Dear Mr. Housman:
In your letter dated February 18, 1991 on behalf of Laclede
Chain Mfg. Co. you requested a tariff classification ruling.
You submitted a sample of M12 REX snow chain with your
inquiry. This article consists of a length of wire rope encased
in heavy plastic tubing with a connector at each end, thus
allowing the ends to be fitted together to form a circular ring.
Affixed at intervals to the wire rope are hook-shaped connectors
to which are attached short lengths of welded link chain in a
diamond or H-shaped pattern. At the other end of these chains
are various additional connectors and small sections of colored
chain which allow the diamond and H-patterned chains to be
wrapped around the perimeter of a tire. The diamond and H-
patterned chains are formed of D-shaped chain links
approximately 3 millimeters in diameter. Your letter indicates
that the M12 REX chain will be used to enhance tire traction in
snowy conditions.
Subheading 7315.20, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States, provides for skid chain. Skid chain encompasses chain
designed to improve tire traction on snow, ice, mud, or other
adverse surfaces. In some cases skid chain may also serve to
protect a tire from rocks or other objects which can damage the
tire. Accordingly, the applicable subheading for the M12 REX
tire chain will be 7315.20.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTS), which provides for skid chain not over 8
millimeters in diameter. The rate of duty will be 1.5 percent ad
valorem.
You also inquired as to the meaning of the term "welded link
chain". Welded link chain refers to chain which is formed by
bending a short section of wire rod or bar into the shape of a
link, threading the link through the previously finished link,
and then fusing or welding the butted ends of the link together.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport
Source: rulings.cbp.gov — ruling 861188, retrieved 2026-10-12T05:24:23Z, republished verbatim. This digest is informational; only CBP issues binding rulings.