The tariff classification of a Cocoa Powder Preparation from theDominican Republic.

NY C89389 July 14, 1998 CLA-2-18:RR:NC:SP:232 C89389 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 1806.20.9500; 1806.20.9800 Ms. Catin Sanchez Nutri Caribe, Inc. PO Box 360853 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-0853 RE: The tariff classification of a Cocoa Powder Preparation from the Dominican Republic. Dear Ms. Sanchez: In your letter dated June 18, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling. You submitted descriptive literature and a sample with your request. The subject merchandise is a sweet cocoa powder preparation which will be imported in 65 pound paper bags and which is intended to be further processed into drink mixes, milk-based chocolate beverages, and candies. The cocoa powder is said to consist of 59 percent sugar, 39 percent cocoa powder, and 2 percent lecithin. The applicable subheading for the cocoa powder preparation, if imported in quantities that fall within the limits described in additional U.S. note 8 to Chapter 17, will be 1806.20.9500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa: Other preparations in blocks, slabs or bars, weighing more than 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, of a content exceeding 2 kg: Other: Other: Other: Other: Articles containing over 10 percent by dry weight of sugar described in additional U.S. note 3 to chapter 17: Described in additional U.S. note 8 to chapter 17 and entered pursuant to its provisions. The duty rate will be 10 percent ad valorem. If the quantitative limits of additional U.S. note 8 to Chapter 17 have been reached, the product will be classified in subheading 1806.20.9800, HTS, and dutiable at the rate of 39.4 cents per kilogram plus 9 percent ad valorem. In addition, products classified in subheading 1806.20.9800, HTS, will be subject to additional duties based on their value, as described in subheadings 9904.17.49 to 9904.17.60, HTS. Articles classifiable under subheading 1806.20.9500, HTS, which are products of the Dominican Republic are entitled to duty free treatment under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) upon compliance with all applicable regulations. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of this 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 Maria at 212-466- 5730. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division