CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM:114 H81652

TARIFF NO: 9003.11.0000; 9003.19.0000

Ms. Debra Esposito
American Shipping Company Inc.
140 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

RE: Tariff classification of eyeglass frames from China

Dear Ms. Esposito:

In your letter dated May 8, 2001, on behalf of Lantis Eyewear Corp., you requested a tariff classification ruling.

Two eyeglass frames were furnished with your request for a ruling. Style TH20348220 has a plastic front and metal temples. Style TW10546006 has a metal front and plastic temples. Both frames have plastic demo lenses inserted into the frames. For tariff classification purposes, the eyeglass frame with a plastic front is considered to be a plastic frame, and the eyeglass frame with a metal front is considered to be a metal frame.

The applicable subheading for style TH20348220 will be 9003.11.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles or the like, of plastics. The rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for style TW10546006 will be 9003.19.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles or the like, of other materials. The rate of duty will be free.

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 Barbara Kiefer at 212-637-7058.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division