CLA-2-39:S:N:N6:221 890095
Mr. Guy Rothfuss
Duncombe International, Inc.
P.O. Box 1222, Schubert Str. 3
D-49110 Georgsmarienhutte, Germany
RE: The tariff classification of sponges and mops from Taiwan.
Dear Mr. Rothfuss:
In your letter dated August 16, 1993, which was received in
this office on September 8, 1993, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.
Samples of 5 products were included with your request. All are used in
the household for cleaning. Articles 005 and 006 are rectangular sponge
blocks made of cellular polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Article 005 measures
approximately 6 3/4 inches by 3 inches by 1 3/8 inches. Article 006 measures
approximately 4 7/8 inches by 3 inches by 1 1/4 inches.
Article 012 is a sponge mop with a hand operated lever to squeeze the
moisture from the mop head. The mop handle is made of aluminum, and the
absorbing head is made of cellular PVA. No sample was submitted of article
013, but it is described as a mop similar to article 012, except that the
handle is made of steel.
Article 011, described as a suction cloth, is a rectangular cloth with
rounded edges, made of cellular PVA. Article 020, described as a universal
cloth, is a rectangular cloth with rounded edges, made of cellular PVA, with
a reinforcing layer of textile fabric completely embedded in the PVA.
The applicable subheading for the sponge blocks, articles 005 and 006,
will be 3921.19.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS),
which provides for other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics,
cellular, of other plastics. The rate of duty will be 6.6 percent ad
valorem.
The applicable subheading for the mops, articles 012 and 013, will be
9603.90.8050, HTS, which provides for brooms, brushes, hand-operated
mechanical floor sweepers, not motorized, mops and feather dusters...other.
The rate of duty will be 5.6 percent ad valorem.
The question of classification for the suction cloth and universal
cloth, articles 011 and 020, is being referred to the Office of Regulations
and Rulings, U.S. Customs Service Headquarters, 1301 Constitution Avenue,
N.W., Washington D.C. 20229. A ruling will be issued to you from that
office.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 177 of the
Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport