CLA-2-56:S:N:N6:350 886916
Ms. April J. Hammond
Jacky Maeder Ltd.
Olympic Office Plaza
1200 South 192nd Street, Suite 302
Seattle, WA 98148
RE: The tariff classification of a "Magic towel", used for cleaning, from
Korea.
Dear Ms. Hammond:
In your letter dated May 21, 1993, on behalf of HHS USA, Inc., 6508
Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA 98264, you requested a tariff classification
ruling.
You submitted a retail package of the product. An individual sample,
described as a "Magic towel", consists of an approximately 10" square
nonwoven fabric of man-made fibers that has been embossed with a geometric
design. The "towel" has been moistened with a water solution containing 1% of
a chemical compound, Planisol-M, which is a soap. The towels are
individually packaged in sealed plastic bags in a 20 count cardboard box.
Your letter and the printing on the box indicates that the towels are used
for cleaning such things as the interior surfaces of cars, appliances,
furniture, walls, glass, metal objects, oil from the skin, etc. These
towels are a disposable type.
We note that your letter suggests a possible classification in
subheading 6307.., however, this product is a square of nonwoven material.
The Explanatory notes are the official interpretation of the Tariff
Schedules at the International level. General note (1)(b) of Chapter 63
specifically excludes nonwovens merely cut into squares or rectangles from
classification within chapter 63 and directs classification to heading 5603.
The applicable subheading for the product, therefore, will be
5603.00.9090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or
laminated, of staple fibers. The rate of duty will be 12.5 percent ad
valorem.
While there are no other special agency reviews or approvals necessary
to import this merchandise, this material falls within textile category
designation 223. Based upon international textile trade agreements,
products of Korea are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa.
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.
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