The tariff classification of three needleloom felt materials to be imported in roll from as well as wipes, from either Italy or Israel.

NY F86008 April 25, 2000 CLA-2-56:RR:NC:TA:350 F86008 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 5602.10.9090 Ms. Faith Currier GPMI Company 7820 E. Evans Road, Suite 300 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 RE: The tariff classification of three needleloom felt materials to be imported in roll from as well as wipes, from either Italy or Israel. Dear Ms. Currier: In your letter which was received April 18, 2000, you requested a classification ruling. The instant sample, identified as SPOT 180 g, is described as a “needle punched non-woven coated with a compounded based of latex and resin.” The fabric contains the characteristic “needle” holes of a needleloom felt and is considered as such. The fiber content is given as a 50% viscose/50% polyester man-made fiber blend. The light latex or resin coating (on both sides) is not visible to the naked eye. This treatment does, however, provide smoother surfaces to the material. There is a light blue lattice print pattern on both sides of the sample provided. The material weighs 180 g/m² and measures 1.2 mm thick. While you provided technical data sheets without actual samples for two other qualities (TEX SOL 032 and MIT0 100 g), we presume they are of similar fabric construction and contain essentially the same performance features. TEX SOL 032 weighs 230 g/m² and is 1.2 mm thick, while MIT0 100 g weighs 100 g/m² and measures .70 mm in thickness. They are composed of varying blends of polyester, viscose and polyamide which are all man-made fibers. The applicable subheading for the three materials will be 5602.10.9090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for needleloom felt and stitch-bonded fiber fabrics, not laminated, of other than wool or fine animal hair. The general rate of duty is 11.4 percent ad valorem, however, if a product of Israel, under the U.S. Israel Free Trade Agreement, this product is eligible for duty free status provided all requirements are met. 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 George Barth at 212-637-7085. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division