Tariff classification of fasteners turned on their essential function, keeping special-use screw parts within Item 52.

Telescopic screw nuts, slide screw nuts and a flow nozzle stud were treated as bolts, nuts and screws for tariff purposes because their function was that of fasteners. The fact that the screw nuts were used in the movement of a cross-slide, or that the flow nozzle stud was used for clamping, did not alter their essential character. Prior tariff decisions on specially made fasteners supported the view that special use alone does not remove such articles from Item 52. The articles were therefore correctly classifiable under Item 52 of the Central Excise Tariff Schedule and not under the residuary Item 68.

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Issues: Whether telescopic screw nuts, slide screw nuts and flow nozzle studs were classifiable under Item 52 of the Central Excise Tariff Schedule as bolts, nuts and screws, or under Item 68 as a residuary entry.

Analysis: The articles were examined as to their function, and the finding recorded was that the telescopic screw nuts and slide screw nuts acted as fasteners though used in the movement of the cross-slide, while the flow nozzle stud was used for clamping and also acted as a fastener. No material was produced to justify a contrary conclusion. Prior decisions had already held that bolts, nuts and screws specially made for motor vehicles and similar purposes did not cease to fall under Item 52 merely because of such special use. Applying that approach, the articles in dispute retained their character as bolts, nuts and screws for tariff purposes.

Conclusion: The three articles were correctly classifiable under Item 52 of the Central Excise Tariff Schedule and not under Item 68.

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