CLA-2-29:RR:NC:2:238 D83180
Mr. Michael Politopoulos
GP Chemicals, Inc.
667 Shunpike Road -Suite #4
Green Village, NJ 07935
RE: The tariff classification of Salicin (CAS-158-52-3 ),
imported in bulk form, from Switzerland
Dear Mr. Politopoulos:
In your letter dated September 23, 1998, you requested a
tariff classification ruling. We regret the delay in responding.
The subject product, Salicin [2-(Hydroxymethyl)phenyl- -D-glucopyranoside], which you refer to as "D-(-)-Salicin," is a
naturally occurring glycoside. According to The Merck Index
(12th ed.), Salicin is "[U]sually obtained by making hot water
extracts from the ground bark of poplar (Populus) and willow
(Salix)," and is "[a]lso found in the leaves and female flowers
of the willow." You state in your letter that your firm intends
to use the subject product as a "nutritional supplement." With
respect to its use, we note that Salicin is characterized (op.
cit.) as a standard substrate in evaluating enzyme preparations
containing -glucosidase. In addition, Goodman & Gilman's, The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (9th ed.), indicates that
Salicin has antipyretic properties.
The applicable subheading for Salicin, imported in bulk
form, will be 2938.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for: "[G]lycosides, natural
or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and
other derivatives: Other." The rate of duty will be 3.7 percent
ad valorem, and remains unchanged in 1999.
This merchandise may be subject to the requirements of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which is administered by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You may contact them at
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, telephone number
301-443-6553.
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 Harvey
Kuperstein at 212-466-5770.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division