The tariff classification of five styles of women's handbags from China

PD C80295 October 16, 1997 CLA-2.1B:FO:G07 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4202.22.4500 Ms. Ann Vietello Import/Export Department Etienne Aigner 47 Brunswick Avenue Edison, New Jersey 08818-3111 RE: The tariff classification of five styles of women's handbags from China Dear Ms. Vietello: In your letter dated October 2, 1997, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Five samples of ladies' handbags were submitted for our examination. Each item has an outer surface of 100% cotton with leather trim and straps. Sample no. 1, style no. 34504 SIG, is a handbag which measures approximately 12 x 12 x 4« inches at its greatest points. It has one unsecured exterior compartment, a smaller secured interior compartment and one large main compartment with a zippered top closure. Sample no. 2, style no. 34500 FASIG, is a handbag measuring approximately 8 x 8 x 3 inches, with one large Sample no 3, style no. 34508 SIG, is a handbag which measures approximately 12« x 11 x 15 inches, with one secured interior compartment, an unsecured exterior compartment and one large main compartment with a zippered top closure. Sample no 4., style no. 34507 SIG, is a handbag which measures approximately 11 x 7« x 3« inches. It has one large divided main compartment, a smaller secured interior compartment, a secured exterior compartment and a zippered top closure. Sample no. 5, style no. 34505 FASIG, is a handbag which measures approximately 11 x 11« x 4 inches. It has one secured exterior compartment, a secured interior compartment and one large main compartment secured with a zipper. The applicable subheading for the five handbags will be 4202.22.4500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle, with outer surface of textile materials; of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted construction; of cotton. The rate of duty will be 6.9% ad valorem. Items numbered 4202.22.4500 fall within textile category designation 369. Based upon international textile trade agreements, products of China are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa. 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 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. Sincerely, Jon A. Batt Port Director Detroit, Michigan