The tariff classification of a fleece blanket from China.

NY C88015 June 8, 1998 CLA-2-63:RR:NC:TA:349 C88015 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6301.40.0020 Mr. David M. Rickert E. Besler & Company 115 Martin Lane Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007-1309 RE: The tariff classification of a fleece blanket from China. Dear Mr. Rickert: In your letter dated March 17, 1998 you requested a classification ruling on behalf of LTD Commodities, Inc. The submitted sample, referred to as a fleece throw, is considered a blanket. The blanket will be made from 100 percent polyester knit fabric. It is napped on both sides and measures 50 inches by 60 inches. The submitted blanket is burgundy in color and the edges are finished with a black thread overcast stitch. The sample is being returned. In your letter you refer to this item as a throw. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, (EN), although not legally binding, are the official interpretation of the tariff at the international level. The EN for heading 63.01 states, in pertinent part, that: "Blankets and travelling rugs are usually made of wool, animal hair, cotton or man-made fibers, frequently with a raised pile surface, and generally of thick heavy-texture material for protection against the cold." The instant sample has all the characteristics of a blanket and will be classified as such. The applicable subheading for the blanket will be 6301.40.0020, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for blankets and traveling rugs: blankets (other than electric blankets) and traveling rugs, of synthetic fibers... other. The duty rate will be 11.2 percent ad valorem. The blanket falls within textile category designation 666. 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. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist John Hansen at 212-466-5854. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division