CLA-2-52:S:N:N3H:351 875656
Mr. John H. Qualey
Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers, Inc.
P.O. Box 20160
Charleston, S.C. 29413-0160
RE: The tariff classification of cotton gin motes, uncleaned and
cleaned, from Russia and Australia.
Dear Mr. Qualey:
In your letter dated June 11, 1992, on behalf of Cherokee
Textiles, Inc., you requested a tariff classification ruling.
You have requested the classification of two types of cotton
gin motes. The motes are a by-product of the cotton ginning
process. The motes consist of reclaimable cotton lint mixed with
bits of leaves and bark. The motes known as regins will be put
through a willowing and cleaning process in Russia or Austalia to
remove most of the leaves and bark. You also requested the
classification of gin motes which have not been cleaned abroad.
In a phone conversation with National Import Specialist Jeffrey
Konzet on June 26, 1992, you stated that the cotton gin motes
will have a staple length of 31/32" to 1".
The applicable subheading for the cotton gin motes which
have not undergone a cleaning process will be 5202.99.0090,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for cotton waste (including yarn waste and garnetted
stock), other, other, other. The merchandise will be free of
duty.
The applicable subheading for the cleaned cotton gin motes
or regins will be 5201.00.1030, HTS, which provides for cotton,
not carded or combed, having a staple length under 28.57mm (1 1/8
inches), having a staple length under 25.4mm (1 inch), other.
The merchandise will be free of duty.
The cleaned cotton gin motes or regins classifiable as fiber
in subheading 5201.00.1030, HTS, will be subject to a
quantitative restriction imposed by subheading 9904.30.10, HTS.
That provision limits the importation into the United States in
any twelve month period beginning September 20 in any year. The
uncleaned gin motes classifiable as waste in subheading
5202.99.0090, HTS, are not subject to any quantitative
restrictions at this time.
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