CLA-2-51:RR:NC:TA:351 G84792
Robert J. Leo
Meeks & Sheppard
1735 Post Road
Suite 4
Fairfield, CT 06430
RE: The tariff classification of dehaired camel hair from China.
Dear Mr. Leo:
In your letter dated November 17, 2000, on behalf of your client, Forte Cashmere Co. of Woonsocket, RI, you requested a tariff classification ruling. On November 27, you made a supplemental submission.
Your letters state that the item to be imported is “dehaired camel hair, greasy (raw) camel hair . . . . The fiber is . . . sorted for grade and later scoured, to remove dirt and other impurities. After scouring, the fiber is ‘dehaired,’ which is a process that removes the course guard hair and produces a product known as ‘dehaired camel hair.’ It is not carded or combed.
In Headquarters Ruling Letter (HRL) 950906, dated October 30, 1992, Customs classified scoured and disinfected cashmere fibers which had undergone a dehairing process as fine animal hair which had been processed beyond the degreased condition. The dehairing process was described as the separation of fine down fibers from coarse strong fibers. In that decision, we concluded that dehairing and disinfecting undertaken subsequent to scouring were processes which advanced the cashmere beyond the degreased condition. Hence, it was classified as fine animal hair advanced beyond the degreased condition.
The applicable subheading for the dehaired camel hair which is the subject of your ruling request will be 5102.10.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for fine animal hair, processed beyond the degreased condition. The rate of duty will be 4.9 cents per kilogram plus four percent ad valorem.
At this time, there is no quota restriction on merchandise classified in subheading 5102.10.9000, HTS, and hence no visa requirement.
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 Mitchel Bayer at 212-637-7086.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division