The tariff classification of rubber/plastic shoes from Hong Kong.

NY D85565 January 8, 1999 CLA-2-64:RR:NC:TP:347 D85565 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6402.99.18 Ms. Joanne Balice CBI Distributing Corp. 2400 W. Central Rd. Hoffman Estates, IL 60195 RE: The tariff classification of rubber/plastic shoes from Hong Kong. Dear Ms. Balice: In your letter dated November 30, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling. You have submitted a sample of an open toe/open heel shoe with a metal buckle closure across the instep and at the back of the heel, with rubber/plastic uppers and outer soles, which you refer to as a fisherman’s sandal, style 16799 (EC441A). You state that the upper will be made of PVC, with TPR soles. The foot rests on an upper platform which is approximately 3/4 inches thick. We would consider this shoe not to possess a foxing-like band since the sole overlaps upper material which does not cover the sides of the wearer’s foot. The applicable subheading for the shoe will be 6402.99.18, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, having uppers of which over 90% of the external surface area (including accessories and reinforcements such as those mentioned in note 4(a) to this chapter) is rubber or plastics, not covering the ankle. The rate of duty will be 6% ad valorem. 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 Richard Foley at 212-466-5890. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division