CLA-2-42:S:N:N6:341 805779

Mr. David A. Eisen
Siegel, Mandell & Davidson, P.C.
Counselors At Law
One Astor Plaza
1515 Broadway - 43rd FL
New York, NY 10036-8901

RE: The tariff classification of travel jewelry cases from China and/or Taiwan.

Dear Mr. Eisen:

In your letter dated January 5, 1995, on behalf of Avon Products, Inc., you requested a classification ruling for travel jewelry cases. You have submitted two samples of items considered to be travel jewelry cases which you have indicated will be imported and sold one within the other. The cases are of a kind similar to a vanity case. The larger case measures approximately 10" x 7" x 4 1/2" and the smaller case measures approximately 7" x 4 1/2" x 2". Both items are composed of foam and paperboard covered with an exterior surface of 65 percent ramie and 35 percent cotton woven floral fabric. Inside the cases are plastic trays divided into compartments to contain jewelry. Each item has a self fabric carrying handle and they are secured by means of top zippered closures. Your samples are being returned as you requested.

The applicable subheading for the travel jewelry case of 65 percent ramie and 35 percent cotton woven fabric will be 4202.12.8080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for trunks, suitcases, vanity cases and similar containers, with outer surface of textile materials, other, other. The duty rate will be 19.8 percent ad valorem.

Items classifiable under 4202.12.8080 fall within textile category designation 870. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China and Taiwan are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa.

The designated textile and apparel categories may be subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Since part categories are the result of international bilateral agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes, to obtain the most current information available, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the Status Report on Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available for inspection at your local Customs office.

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