CLA-2 RR:CR:TE 964823 mbg
Ms. Kathy Brennan
Eddie Bauer Inc.
P.O. Box 97000
Redmond, WA 98073-9700
RE: Napped Bed Linen from Portugal; Revocation of NY E81441
Dear Ms. Brennan:
On May 19, 1999, Customs issued New York Ruling Letter (“NY”) NY E81441 to Eddie Bauer, Inc., regarding the tariff classification of bed linen which was originally classified as “not napped” under heading 6302 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Annotated (“HTSUSA”). Upon review, Customs has determined that the bed linen was erroneously classified. The correct classification for the product should be under heading 6302, HTSUSA, as napped bed linen. NY E81441 is hereby revoked for the reasons set forth below.
Pursuant to section 625(c)(1), Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1625 (c)), as amended by section 623 of Title VI (Customs Modernization) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057), a notice was published on March 14, 2001, in Vol. 35, No. 11 of the Customs Bulletin, proposing to revoke NY E81441 and to revoke the treatment pertaining to the classification of napped bed linen. The only comment received was in favor of the action.
FACTS:
According to NY E81441, you submitted a swatch of printed percale fabric representative of the fabrics used to make the sheets, pillowcases, comforter covers and sheet sets. The 100 percent cotton woven fabric was stated to be identical to the production fabric differing only in the printed patterns. The flat and fitted sheets are imported in twin, full, queen and king sizes, while the pillowcases are imported in standard and king sizes. The Floral Flat sheets are referred to as item numbers 077-2817, 077-2818, 077-2819 and 077-2820. The Floral Fitted sheets are referred to as item numbers 077-2821, 077-2822, 077-2823 and 077-2824 and the Floral Pillowcases as 077-2825 and 077-2826. The Stripe Flat sheets are imported as item numbers 077-7700, 077-9926, 077-9927 and 077-9928. The Stripe Fitted sheets are imported as item numbers 077-9929, 077-9930, 077-9931 and 077-9932 and the Stripe Pillowcases as 077-9933 and 077-9934.
The Green Floral sheet set consists of a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases. The sheet set is imported in twin size (item # 077-6904), full size (item # 077-6905) queen size (item # 077-6906) and king size (item # 077-6907). In addition to those contained in the sets, individual Green Floral pillowcases are imported separately in standard size (item # 077-6908) and king size (item # 077-6909). The Floral/Madras comforter covers are imported in twin size (077-3356), full size (077-3357), queen size (077-3358) and king size (077-3359). You have indicated that the sheets, pillowcases, comforter covers and sheet sets do not contain any embellishments such as embroidery, lace, braid, edging, trimming, piping or applique work.
For tariff classification purposes, the difference between napped and not napped bed linen is less than 3 percent ad valorem, however, not napped printed bed linen from the European Union is currently subject to a 100 percent ad valorem rate of duty pursuant to trade sanctions imposed by the United States Trade Representative.
Upon review, the classification applied by Customs in NY E81441 was incorrect. In NY E81441, the flat and fitted sheets were classified under subheading 6302.21.9020, HTSUSA, as “Other bed linen, printed: of cotton: not napped: sheets;” the pillowcases were classified under subheading 6302.21.9010, HTSUSA, as “Other bed linen, printed: of cotton: not napped: pillowcases;” and the comforter covers were classified under subheading 6302.21.9050, HTSUSA, as “Other bed linen, printed: of cotton: other: not napped: other.”
ISSUE:
What is the proper classification for the described bed linen?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of goods under the HTSUSA is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (“GRI”). GRI 1 provides that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and any relative section or chapter notes. In the event that the goods cannot be classified solely on the basis of GRI 1, and if the headings and legal notes do not otherwise require, the remaining GRI may then be applied.
The Explanatory Notes (“EN”) to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which represent the official interpretation of the tariff at the international level, facilitate classification under the HTSUSA by offering guidance in understanding the scope of the headings and GRI. The EN state in regard to heading 6302, HTSUSA, that “bed linen” includes “sheets, pillowcases, bolster cases, eiderdown cases and mattress covers.” As bed linen is eo nomine provided for within heading 6302, HTSUSA, classification within this heading is proper.
Under the terms of the HTSUSA, the classification of bed linen depends upon the fiber content; whether printed or not; whether napped or not; whether any component contains embroidery, trimming, lace, etc., and whether the sheet set constitutes a "retail" set or not. The determinative issue in this case is whether the subject sheets are considered napped or not napped for tariff classification purposes and specifically what level or amount of napping is required.
Statistical Note 1(k) to Chapter 52 of the HTSUSA which provides for cotton states:
The term “napped” means fabrics with a fuzzy, fibrous surface produced by scratching or pricking the surface so that some of the fibers are raised from the body of the yarn. Napped fabrics are not to be confused with pile fabrics. Outing and canton flannel, moleskin, etc. are typical fabrics with a nap.
Determination of the tariff classification of the subject merchandise requires an understanding of terminology which is germane to the issue and utilized by the textile industry. We note the following definitions:
Nap- A downy surface given to a cloth when part of the fiber is raised from the basic structure. Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology 100 (1990).
Napping- A finishing process that raises the surface fibers of a fabric by means of passage over rapidly revolving cylinders covered with metal points or teasel burrs. Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology 100 (1990).
Napped Fabrics- Napped fabrics are processed so that they have either a slight or a dramatic nap on the face or both
sides of the fabric. The napping process is accomplished by weaving loosely twisted yarns into the textile, which are then sheared and brushed to create the soft napped surface. Napped fabrics differ from PILE fabrics, in that they do not have extra threads incorporated in the textile.
Napping is considered a FINISHING process and is used on many fibers, including manufactured fibers, silk and wool, as well as specialty fibers such as camel hair and mohair. Occasionally the napped effect does not continuously cover the fabric but is executed in stripes or figures. Encyclopedia of Textiles, Judith Jerde, 157 (1992).
Napped-Finished Goods- These may be of a single or double finish, slight or heavy. Single finish occurs when one side of the goods is napped; double finish fabric has both sides of the material napped.
A slight finish occurs when the napped cloth is not as high in protruding fibers nor as thick when compared with heavy nap. The finish is given to fabrics known for their napped characteristics and for those that can withstand the rigors of the treatment. Certain woolen and cotton cloths receive this type of treatment- baby clothes, blankets, domett, flannel, lining, molleton, silence cloth, etc.
The finish is applied by rollers covered with 1 inch card clothing similar to that used on the fancy roller of the woolen card, or by a roller clothed with teasels.
Some fabrics are given from three to four up to ten or twelve roller treatments to obtain the desired napped effect for the surface finish. The napping may be done in the gray goods states as well as in the regular finishing operations. The Modern Textile and Apparel Dictionary, George E. Linton, 386 (1973).
(emphasis added.)
Neither the Court of International Trade nor its predecessor, the Customs Court, have considered the issue of napping exclusive of making a distinction from pile. However, in Tilton Textile Corp. v. United States, 424 F.Supp 1053, 77 Cust. Ct. 27, C.D. 4670 (1976) aff’d, 565 F.2d 140 (1977), the court stated:
[W]hat is termed a "nap" or "napped fabrics" is produced by the raising of some of the fibers of the threads which compose the basic fabric, whereas the "pile" on "pile fabrics" must be the raising at intervals, in the form of loops, the entire thickness of extra threads introduced into, but not essential to the basic fabric, which thus form an "uncut pile."
Tilton at 44. (emphasis added.) The Customs Court acknowledged that only some of the fibers must be raised on the fabric. Furthermore, Statistical Note 1(k), Chapter 52 to the HTSUS which defines “napping” does not require that a specified amount of fibers must be raised in order to qualify as a napped good. Rather the Note requires that “some of the fibers” are raised.
The issue of what levels of napping are required in order to be considered “napped” for tariff classification purposes under the HTSUSA was based on the issuance of a ruling under the previous tariff. HQ 080945, dated July 20, 1988, dealt with the issue of whether cotton twill fabric was napped for purposes of the Tariff Schedule of the United States, the predecessor to the current Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. HQ 080945 stated:
Both technical literature and the Statistical Headnotes to the Tariff Schedules of the United States Annotated (“TSUSA”) indicate that for a fabric to be known as napped it must have a substantial portion of at least one surface covered with raised fibers.
(emphasis added). However, review of Headnote 1(k), Subpart A, Part 3, Schedule 3 TSUSA, which is the relevant TSUSA Note on napped fabrics, reveals that HQ 080945 was in error. The TSUSA Note states:
Napped: Fabrics with a fuzzy, fibrous surface produced by scratching or pricking the surface so that some of the fibers are raised from the body of the yarn. Napped fabrics are not to be confused with pile fabrics. Outing and canton fabrics, moleskin, etc., are typical fabrics with a nap.
See Headnote 1(k), Subpart A, Part 3, Schedule 3 TSUSA. The applicable Note under the TSUSA only requires that some of the fibers are raised in the fabric to be napped. This is consistent with the HTSUSA as well as the Tilton decision.
The tariff does not require that a set amount of fibers must be raised in order to qualify as a napped product for classification purposes and therefore the U.S. Customs Service will not subjectively determine levels of napping which must be fulfilled for products to be classified as napped. While the napping on the subject merchandise is slight, the level of napping is still visible to the eye and has been accomplished through the brushing process which is necessary for the formation of all napping. Therefore, the subject merchandise is considered napped for tariff classification purposes.
Furthermore, classification of the subject merchandise as a set is inappropriate. GRI 3(b) provides for the classification of goods put up in sets for retail sale. The rule states, in pertinent part, as follows:
(b) Mixtures, composite goods consisting of different materials or made up of different components, and goods put up in sets for retail sale, which cannot be classified by reference to 3(a), shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character, insofar as this criterion is applicable.
Explanatory Note (X) (page 5) to GRI 3(b) states that the term "goods put up in sets for retail sale" means goods which:
(a) consist of at least two different articles which are, prima facie, classifiable in different headings;
(b) consist of products or articles put up together to meet a particular need or carry out a specific activity; and
(c) are put up in a manner suitable for sale directly to users without repacking.
In the instant case, the merchandise consists of products that, if imported separately, are not classifiable in the different headings of the HTSUSA and therefore, consideration of the merchandise as a set is inappropriate.
HOLDING:
NY E81441 is hereby revoked.
The subject pillowcases are properly classified in subheading 6302.21.7010, HTSUSA, as “Bed Linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen: Other bed linen, printed: Of cotton: Other: Napped: Pillowcases, other than bolster cases.” The general column one rate of duty is 4 percent ad valorem. The textile restraint number is 360.
The subject flat and fitted sheets are properly classified in subheading 6302.21.7020, HTSUSA, as “Bed Linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen: Other bed linen, printed: Of cotton: Other: Napped: Sheets.” The general column one rate of duty is 4 percent ad valorem. The textile restraint number is 361.
The subject comforter covers are properly classified in subheading 6302.21.7050, HTSUSA, as “Bed Linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen: Other bed linen, printed: Of cotton: Other: Napped: Other.” The general column one rate of duty is 4 percent ad valorem. The textile restraint number is 362.
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. 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.
Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation (the ninth and tenth digits of the classification ) and the restraint (quota/visa) categories, you should contact your local Customs office prior to importation of this merchandise to determine the current status of any import restraints or requirements.
EFFECT ON OTHER RULINGS:
NY E81441 is revoked. In accordance with 19 U.S.C. §1625 (c), this ruling will become effective sixty (60) days after its publication in the Customs Bulletin.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division