CLA-2-42:RR:NC:TA:341 D85842
Ms. Patti Kniest
Edison Brothers Stores, Inc.
501 N. Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
RE: The tariff classification of handbags from China.
Dear Ms. Kniest:
In your letter dated December 8, 1998, you requested a
classification ruling for handbags.
The samples submitted, identified as styles FJE180 and FJE219,
are ladies handbags manufactured with an outer surface of 100
percent polyester woven fabric with textile interior linings. Each
item is designed with a textile carry handle, in addition to a
braided textile shoulder strap. Their size ranges from
approximately 5 1/2"(H) x 7"(W) with 2 1/2" gussets to 6"(H) x 7
1/2"(W) with 3 1/2" gussets. Your samples are being returned as
your requested.
The applicable subheading for Styles FJE180 and FJE219, the
handbags of 100 percent polyester woven fabric, will be
4202.22.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder
strap, including those without handle, with outer surface of
textile materials, other, of man-made fibers. The duty rate will
be 19 percent ad valorem. Effective January 1, 1999, the duty rate
will be 18.8 percent ad valorem.
The bags fall within textile category designation 670. Based
upon international textile trade agreements products of China 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. 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 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 Kevin Gorman at 212-466-5893.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division