CLA-2-42:S:N:N3G:341 871870

Mr. Vahan Chertavian
Arjan USA, Ltd.
1616 Wicomico Ln.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

RE: The tariff classification of a wallet and a money belt from China.

Dear Mr. Chertavian:

In your letter dated February 20, 1992, you requested a tariff classification ruling on a wallet and a money belt. You have submitted two samples with your request, identified as items A and B.

Item A, described as a "Hip-Hugger", is a 100% leather security wallet designed with an attached loop to be secured onto one's belt. Once secured the wallet is worned inside trousers or skirts. The item is flat in design and features a zippered compartment on each side with six inner pockets designed to contain credit cards etc.. It measures approximately 8 inches by 4 1/2 inches.

Item B, described as a "Cache", is a money belt constructed of 100% cotton designed to be worn on the person. The item is flat in design, unlined, and measures approximately 16 inches by 4 1/2 inches designed to be worn around the waist underneath the clothing. It has a zippered compartment with two internal pockets. The zipper closure is concealed by means of a textile flap.

The applicable subheading for Item A, the "Hip-Hugger" security wallet of 100% leather, will be 4202.31.6000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of leather, other. The duty rate will be 8 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for Item B, the "Cache" money belt of 100% cotton, will be 4202.32.4000, HTS, which provides for articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, with outer surface of textile materials, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted construction, of cotton. The duty rate will be 7.2 percent ad valorem.

Items classifiable under 4202.32.4000 fall within textile category designation 369. Based upon international textile trade agreements, products of China are subject to visa requirements and quota restraints.

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, 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