The tariff classification of sterilization pouches and rolls from Taiwan.

NY A89261 November 25, 1996 CLA-2-48:RR:NC:2:234 A89261 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4819.50.4060; 4823.90.8500 Mr. Steven Friedland Pienkland Trading 235 20th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94121 RE: The tariff classification of sterilization pouches and rolls from Taiwan. Dear Mr. Friedland: In your letter dated October 30, 1996, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Three samples were submitted and will be retained for reference. Item 1 is a 2 x 10 inch flat "sterilization pouch" having a paper wall on one side and a flexible, bluish-tinted transparent plastic wall on the other. With the exception of one open end, the circumference of the pouch is sealed; the open end can be closed by means of an extending paper flap which has been coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the most common application, a medical or dental instrument will be inserted into the pouch and placed in an autoclave sterilizer. After the sterilization process, the pouch will continue to protect the instrument from airborne bacteria. The applicable subheading for the above-described sterilization pouch will be 4819.50.4060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other (non-enumerated) packing containers of paper. The rate of duty will be 4.2%. Item 2 is identified as a "sterilization roll (flat)." The submitted sample, a short piece cut from such a roll, is a 4-inch-wide sleeve, open at both ends and made of the same materials as item 1. It is presumed that the imported product will be a continuous roll, used either to make pouches like item 1, or to be cut to required lengths directly by end users who want to make their own sterilization sleeves. Item 3, a "sterilization roll (gusseted)," is essentially the same as item 2, except that it is 3 inches wide, and its plastic side is pleated along each edge, presumably to allow bulkier instruments to be inserted. The applicable subheading for the flat and gusseted sterilization rolls will be 4823.90.8500, HTS, which provides for other (non-enumerated) articles of paper. The rate of duty will be 4.2%. We note that the samples are not marked with their country of origin. When imported into the United States, the items, or their immediate containers destined to reach the ultimate purchasers, will be required to be so marked (e.g., "Made in Taiwan"), legibly and in a conspicuous place. 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 Carl Abramowitz at (212) 466-5733. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director National Commodity Specialist Division