CLA-2-18:RR:NC:2:232 B80124
Mr. Patrick Aldred
Belcolade
8030 National Highway
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
RE: The tariff classification of M431/M and 0331/M milk chocolate products from Belgium.
Dear Mr. Aldred:
In your letter dated December 4, 1996 you requested a tariff classification ruling.
Samples were submitted with your request. The samples are in the form of discs. Item M431/M is stated to contain 41.17 percent sucrose, 21.83 percent cocoa butter, 10.49 percent cocoa liquor, 20 percent whole milk powder, 5.94 percent skimmed milk powder and small quantities of soya lecithin and flavor. The milk fat content is 5.3 percent. Item 0331/M is stated to contain 43.72 percent sucrose, 22.92 percent cocoa butter, 11.62 percent cocoa liquor, 14.29 percent whole milk powder, 6.90 percent skimmed milk powder and small quantities of soya lecithin and flavor. The milk fat content is 3.8 percent. The products will be packaged in 44 pound sacks and 22 pound boxes.
The applicable subheading for the M431/M and 0331/M chocolate products will be 1806.20.3800, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: Other preparations in blocks or slabs weighing more than 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, of a content exceeding 2 kg: Preparations consisting wholly of ground cocoa beans, with or without added cocoa fat, flavoring or emulsifying agents, and containing not more than 32 percent by weight of butterfat or other milk solids and not more than 60 percent by weight of sugar...other: containing butterfat or other milk solids (excluding articles for consumption at retail as candy or confection)...other...other...other. The rate of duty will be 59 cents per kilogram plus 4.8 percent ad valorem. Effective January 1, 1997 the rate of duty will be 57.4 cents per kilogram plus 4.7 percent ad valorem. In addition, products classified under subheading 1806.20.3800, HTS, will be subject to additional duties based on their value as described in subheadings 9904.18.19 through 9904.18.24, HTS.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist John Maria at 212-466-5730.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Silvestri
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division