The tariff classification of women's blouses from China

NY I88682 December 19, 2002 CLA-2-62:RR:NC:N3:360 I88682 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6211.43.0060 Ms. Mary Ann Lam The Boyd & Lam Company US Customs Brokers 366 Pearsall Avenue Suite #2 Cedarhurst, NY 11516 RE: The tariff classification of women's blouses from China Dear Ms. Lam: In your letter dated December 3, 2002, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Casual Express. Both of the submitted samples are women’s blouses composed of knit and woven components. The knit component is constructed from 70 percent ramie and 30 percent cotton and the woven component constructed from 100 percent polyester. Style HSN413 features long sleeves, a round neckline and a full front opening secured by eight buttons. The back panel, the sleeves, and the trim around the neck, bottom and front opening are of the rib knit fabric. The front panels are of the woven fabric. Style HSN414 is a sleeveless pullover and features a round neckline and a rib knit bottom. The back panel, neck trim and bottom are of the knit fabric. The front panel is of the woven fabric. As noted above, the garments are made up of two different types of fabric. Such garments are considered a composite good, with the classification determined by the fabric that imparts the essential character. In both cases, the woven front panels of polyester woven fabric impart the essential character. The applicable subheading for styles HSN413 and HSN414 will be 6211.43.0060, Harmonized tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other garments, women’s or girls’: of man-made fibers: blouses, shirts and shirt-blouses, sleeveless tank styles and similar upper body garments excluded from heading 6206. The rate of duty will be 16.2 percent ad valorem. Effective January 1, 2003, the rate of duty will be 16.1 percent ad valorem. Both blouses fall within textile category designation 641. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China are currently not subject to quota restraints or 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. 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 Patricia Schiazzano at 646-733-3051. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division