CLA-2-42:S:N:N3G:341 874611

Mr. Timothy Bumb
Fact Games, Ltd.
1590 Berryessa Road
San Jose, CA 95133

RE: The tariff classification of various novelty handbags from Thailand.

Dear Mr. Bumb:

In your letter dated April, 23, 1992, received in this office May 20, 1992, you requested a tariff classification ruling on various novelty handbags. You have submitted samples and literature of various items described as "Flip Tops", which are novelty handbags composed of synthetic man-made materials. The items are caricatures which represent heads of various figures such as Jack-O-Lanterns, Monsters, Elves, Snowmen, etc.. The heads are hollow and the hats or hair serves as tops which are secured by means of hook and loop closures. Each bag features a textile carrying handle.

The applicable subheading for the novelty handbags of man- made materials 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, other, other, of man- made fibers. The duty rate will be 20 percent ad valorem.

Items classifiable under 4202.22.8050 fall within textile category designation 670. Based upon international textile trade agreements, products of Thailand are subject to visa 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. 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