CLA-2-56:RR:NC:TA:350 C84367
6307.90.9989; 7326.20.0050
Ms. Kim Young
BDP International Inc.
2721 Walker NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
RE: The tariff classification of two washing sets containing
nonwoven scouring pads, polypropylene scrubbers, a plastic
detergent dispenser with sponge and scour pad, a stainless
steel scour pad and a combination sponge and scour pad, from
China.
Dear Ms. Young:
In your letter dated February 6, 1998, on behalf of Meijer
Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, you requested a classification ruling.
While the products, themselves, are produced in China and the
packaging is so marked, the vendor/shipper is Top Line Sources
International Co., Inc., Hong Kong.
You submitted a three piece washing set containing one knit
polypropylene scouring pad, one combination sponge and scouring pad
and one stainless steel scouring pad. This set is identified as
item #756836.
Additionally, you submitted a second set containing three
nonwoven scouring pads, one knit polypropylene scouring pad and one
plastic detergent dispenser having a sponge and scour pad at one
end. This set is identified as item #756837.
Since the components of these sets have multiple uses, they
are not classifiable as a single entity, and, as such, will be
individually classified. I will start with the items identified in
your letter in the manner in which they are described in your
correspondence.
The first item, identified as "Scour Pads", consist of three
rectangular scouring pads composed of 100% polypropylene nonwoven
man-made fibers (filaments). These pads, which the New York
Customs laboratory determined contain no abrasive material, measure
approximately 4"x3". These pads are commonly used to scrub pots
and pans and are about 1/4" thick. The pads were informally
weighed and were found to weigh 275 g/m2.
The second item, described as "Polypropylene Scrubbers",
(there is one in each set) consists of scrubbers composed of 100%
polypropylene man-made fibers. These scrubbers, which are somewhat
oval shaped in configuration, are of a knitted man-made fiber
construction and are used to clean dishes as well as such things as
non-stick cookware due to the fact that they do not scratch enamel
surfaces.
The third item, described as a "combination sponge with
scouring pad", is rectangular in configuration (about 3" x 2" x
3/4") and consists of a sponge portion composed of a polyurethane
cellular plastic (about 5/8" thick) which has been topped with
about a 1/8" layer of nonwoven man-made fiber (filaments) scouring
pad. This material was found to weigh 1,244g/m2.
The fourth item, described as a "plastic detergent dispenser
with sponge and scouring pad", consists of a scrubber brush that
gently scours and dispenses soap as needed. It has a hollow
plastic handle which contains the detergent and a scrubber head
composed of sponge plastic which has been topped with a layer of
nonwoven man-made fibers in the form of a scouring pad. This
item, due to its configuration, is used to clean glasses, mugs, and
vases, etc.
The fifth and final item, consists of a scouring pad which is
composed of stainless steel wire. It is rather oval in
configuration and is generally used to scrub pots and pans where
the cooking residue is more difficult to remove.
The applicable subheading for the first item (nonwoven
scouring pads) will be 5603.14.9090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTS), which provides for nonwovens, whether or
not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, weighing more than
150 g/m2, ... of man-made filaments. The duty rate will be 2.5
percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the second item ("Polypropylene
Scrubbers) will be 6307.90.9989, HTS, which provides for other made
up articles ... The duty rate is 7 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the third item (combination
sponge and scour pad) will be 5603.14.3000, HTS, which provides for
nonwovens, weather or not impregnated, coated, covered or
laminated, of man-made filaments, weighing more than 150 g/m2, ...,
laminated fabrics. The duty rate is 3.2 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the fourth item (plastic
detergent dispenser with sponge and scouring pad) will be
3924.90.5500, HTS, which provides for ... other household articles,
of plastics ... The duty rate is 3.4 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the stainless steel scouring pad
will be 7326.20.0050, HTS, which provides for other articles of
iron or steel wire, other. The duty rate is 4.3 percent ad
valorem.
This first and third items (scouring pads and combination
sponge and scouring pad) fall within textile category designation
223. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of
China are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa. There
are no textile restraints for the remaining items.
The designated textile and apparel categories may be
subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements
applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. 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 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 George Barth at 212-466-5884.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division