The tariff classification of a bath sponge from China.

NY H83702 July 24, 2001 CLA-2-63:RR:NC:TA:349 H83702 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6302.99.2000 Mr. Edward J. Murray Paris Presents Incorporated 3800 Swanson Court Gurnee, IL 60031-1261 RE: The tariff classification of a bath sponge from China. Dear Mr. Murray: In your letter dated July 10, 2001 you requested a classification ruling. The submitted sample, identified as item number 37169RAW-PPI sample number 01-261 is a bath sponge. The sponge is comprised of a rectangular piece of foam covered with a 100 percent ramie knit fabric. It measures approximately 4 x 5.5 inches. One end of the cover is open and it features a drawstring closure. The item is used as an exfoliator during bathing. The applicable subheading for the sponge will be 6302.99.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for bed linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen: other: of other textile materials: other. The duty rate will be 8.7 percent ad valorem. The sponge falls within textile category designation 899. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China are subject to the requirement of a visa. The designated textile and apparel categories and their quota and visa status are the result of international agreements that are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the U.S. Customs Service Textile Status Report, an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available at the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. In addition, 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 and should also be verified at the time of shipment. In your letter you also inquire about the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA). Please note that the TFPIA is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission. You should contact the Federal Trade Commission, Division of Enforcement, 6th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20580, for information on the applicability of the TFPIA to these items. 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 212-637-7078. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division