HQ 084215: Computer mice

Native CBP ruling rendition. Applicability is fact-specific; modification/revocation relationships and original publisher date are retained. Publisher sentinel year0001 means unknown date, not a historical legal adoption.

                            HQ 084215

                        October 24, 1989

CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 084215 AJS

CATEGORY:  CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO: 8471.92.90; 8473.30.40

Irving W. Smith, Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
Law Offices of George Tuttle
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Suite 1200F
Washington, D.C. 20004

RE: Computer mice

Dear Mr. Smith

     Your letter of December 14, 1988, requesting a ruling
on the tariff classification of optical/mechanical and
electrical/mechanical computer mice under the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA) has been
referred to this office for reply.

     In ruling HQ 083187 (copy attached), this office ruled that
optical/mechanical mice are classified within subheading
8471.92.90, HTSUSA, which provides for other input units of
automatic data processing machines dutiable at the rate of 3.7
percent ad valorem.  The facts in your case regarding the
optical/mechanical mouse are substantially the same as HQ 083187,
which controls the disposition of your merchandise.

     The electrical/mechanical model is also subject to HQ
083187, despite the slightly different components in part of the
mouse.  Specifically, this refers to the replacement of light
emitting diodes and optical sensors described in the
optical/mechanical mouse with electrical contact switches in the
electrical/mechanical model. This described change does not
affect the classification of the electrical/mechanical mouse,
which is also classifiable within subheading 8471.92.90.

     In reference to the parts for computer mice, this office
agrees that they are classifiable within subheading 8473.30.40,
HTSUSA, which provides for parts of the machines of heading 8471.


                               -2-

This conclusion is based on the fact that the mouse itself is a
machine classified within heading 8471, and these parts are
suitable for use solely or principally with a mouse.  In
addition, no other provision exists that specifically provides
for these parts.  If a provision did exist which would provide
specifically for these parts they would be classifiable within
that provision.  Additional U.S. Rule of Interpretation 1(c).

     In conclusion, both the optical/mechanical and
electrical/mechanical mouse are classifiable within subheading
8471.92.90, HTSUSA.  Parts of these articles are classifiable
within subheading 8473.30.40, HTSUSA.

                                   Sincerely,



                                   John Durant, Director
                                   Commercial Rulings Division

Enclosures