CLA-2-56:S:N:N6:351 811931
Mr. Bob Morse
Intrend Ropes and Twines Inc.
629 Grove St.
Manteno, IL 60950
RE: The tariff classification and status under the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), of polypropylene
ropes made of filament and of wide non-fibrillated strip,
from Mexico; Article 509
Dear Mr. Morse:
In your letter dated June 19, 1995 you requested a ruling on
the status of four ropes from Mexico under the NAFTA.
You have submitted four samples of three-ply twisted
polypropylene ropes, labelled as follows:
Item
Description
Color
Diameter
Yield
1
TW POLY MONOFILAMENT ROPE
Yellow Canari
3/16"
160 Ft./Lb.
2
TW POLY MONOFILAMENT ROPE
Yellow Mango
3/8"
38.5 Ft./Lb.
3
TW POLY FILM ROPE
Yellow Mango
7/16"
27.4 Ft./Lb.
4
TW POLY FILM ROPE
Yellow Canari
1/2"
22.2 Ft./Lb.
For all four ropes, the indicated "yield," when converted to
decitex (number of grams per 10,000 meters) exceeds 10,000
decitex. Items 1 and 2 are multifilament ropes; each of the
three plies is comprised of many filaments twisted together.
Item 1, which we measured several places along its length,
measures less than 4.8 millimeters in diameter. Items 3 and 4
are made of non-fibrillated strip approximately 40 millimeters
wide, which has been folded and twisted into an apparent width of
less than 5 millimeters, then grouped and twisted into three "S"
twisted strands, which in turn are twisted together in the "Z"
direction to form the final three-ply rope.
The applicable tariff provision for item 1 will be
5607.49.1500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
Annotated (HTSUSA), which provides for twine, cordage, ropes and
cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not
impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics;
of polyethylene or polypropylene; other; other, not braided or
plaited; measuring less than 4.8 mm in diameter. The general
rate of duty will be 7.9 percent ad valorem.
The applicable tariff provision for item 2 will be
5607.49.2500 HTSUSA, which provides for twine, cordage, ropes and
cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not
impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics;
of polyethylene or polypropylene; other, not braided or plaited;
other. The general rate of duty will be 25.8 cents per kilogram
plus 14 percent ad valorem.
The applicable tariff provision for items 3 and 4 will be
5607.49.1000 HTSUSA, which provides for twine, cordage, ropes and
cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not
impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics;
of polyethylene or polypropylene; other; of wide non-fibrillated
strip. The general rate of duty will be 5 percent ad valorem.
In a telephone conversation with National Import Specialist
Jeff Konzet on June 26, 1995, you indicated that the filaments
and strips which were used to manufacture these ropes were
extruded in Mexico. You did not indicate the source of the
polypropylene resin used to make the filament and strip, but we
will assume for purposes of this ruling that the resin originated
in a non-NAFTA country.
Each of the non-originating materials used to make these
four ropes has satisfied the changes in tariff classification
required under HTSUSA General Note 12(t)/56. Under the NAFTA,
upon compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and
agreements, item 1 will be entitled to a 5.8 percent ad valorem
rate of duty, item 2 will be entitled to a 17.7 percent ad
valorem rate of duty, and items 3 and 4 will be entitled to a
free rate of duty.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 181
of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 181).
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.
This ruling letter is binding only as to the party to whom
it is issued and may be relied on only by that party.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport