CLA-2 CO:R:C:T 953833 jlj
Ms. Lina Vaughan
BJ Customs Brokerage
P. O. Box 91034
Los Angeles, California 90009
RE: Classification of a handbag of woven horsehair yarn
Dear Ms. Vaughan:
In your letter of April 7, 1993, you requested a tariff
classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States Annotated (HTSUSA) for a woman's handbag imported from
Italy on behalf of your client, Reboans, Inc. You submitted a
sample along with your letter.
FACTS:
The sample is a woman's box-shaped handbag measuring 6
inches by 3 inches by 3 inches. The outer surface is composed
mainly of a woven fabric which is composed of horsehair yarn and
textile fiber yarns. There are minor bits of leather trim added
around the edges and on the bottom of the bag. The horsehair
yarn appears to be the component of chief weight of the fabric.
The interior of the bag is lined with leather.
The bag has a gold tone carrying handle and a leather
removable shoulder strap. The flap is closed by means of a gold
tone clasp.
A certificate packed within the bag identifies it with the
name "Comtesse" and the article number 6142.
ISSUE:
What is the HTSUSA classification of the bag?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of merchandise under the HTSUSA is in
accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs), taken
in order. GRI 1 provides that classification shall be according
to the terms of the headings and any relevant section or chapter
notes.
Heading 4202, HTSUSA, provides for handbags, among other
articles. The second half of the heading, the part which covers
handbags, is limited by the provision that the item must be
wholly or almost wholly covered with one of the named materials.
While horsehair is not one of the specified materials, textile
materials are among the materials named.
Chapter 51, HTSUSA, is part of Section XI, which provides
for textiles and textile articles. Subheading 5110.00.0000,
HTSUSA, provides for yarn of coarse animal hair or of horsehair.
Horsehair yarns are considered to be a textile material provided
for within Chapter 51, HTSUSA, therefore the instant handbag with
an outer surface of woven horsehair is classified in Heading
4202, HTSUSA.
HOLDING:
The instant handbag, article 6142, is classified under the
provision for handbags...: with outer surface of textile
materials: other: other: other: other, in subheading
4202.22.8060, HTSUSA, textile category 871, dutiable at the rate
of 20 percent ad valorem. As a product of Italy, this
merchandise is not currently subject to quota or visa
restrictions.
Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation
(the ninth and tenth digits of the classification) and the
restraint (quota/visa) categories applicable to textile
merchandise, you should contact your local Customs office prior
to importation of this merchandise to determine the current
status of any import restraints or requirements.
The designated textile and apparel category may be
subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements
applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Inasmuch
as 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.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division