The tariff classification of various disposable plastic straws from China

N301087 October 17, 2018 CLA-2-39:OT:RR:NC:N1:119 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 3917.32.0050; 9903.88.02 Mr. Robert Um 133-33 Brookville Blvd. Suite 306 Rosedale NY 11422 RE: The tariff classification of various disposable plastic straws from China Dear Mr. Um In your letter dated October 10, 2018, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client National Paper & Plastics, Co. You are requesting a classification ruling on five types of disposable plastic straws. You indicate that they will be used mainly in the food service industry. All of the items listed below will be imported from China. The products are as follows: Item 1- (Item # 420328) is a red scoop disposable straw made of 100% Polypropylene. It is a drinking straw with a small cut-out on one end of the straw to form a small scoop. It is normally used when consuming a frozen carbonated drink. It measures 10.25 inches in length and has a diameter of 6.35mm. Item 2 - (Item # 420276) is a white flex disposable straw made of 100% Polypropylene. It is a drinking straw with flexible capability for aiding in consumption of beverages. It measures 7.75 inches in length and has a diameter of 6.2mm. Item 3 - (Item # 420332) is a red and white striped disposable milk straw made of 100% Polypropylene. It is a drinking straw for aiding in consumption of beverages. It measures 5.75 inches in length and has a diameter of 3.81mm. Item 4 - (Item # UDFPINK10.25/HVY) is a pink disposable straw made of 100% Polypropylene. It is a drinking straw for aiding in consumption of beverages. It measures 10.25 inches in length and has a diameter of 7.3mm. Item 5 - (Item # 1337) is a translucent disposable straw made of 100% Polypropylene. It is a drinking straw for aiding in consumption of beverages. It measures 7.75 inches in length and has a diameter of 5.6mm. The applicable subheading for the five disposable plastic straws listed above (Item # 420328, Item # 420276, Item # 420332, Item # UDFPINK10.25/HVY, and Item # 1337) will be 3917.32.0050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor, of plastics: other tubes, pipes and hoses: other, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings…other. The general rate of duty will be 3.1 percent ad valorem. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on the World Wide Web at https://hts.usitc.gov/current. Effective July 6, 2018, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) imposed an additional tariff on certain products of China classified in the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(b), HTSUS. The USTR imposed additional tariffs, effective August 23, 2018, on products classified under the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(d), HTSUS. Subsequently, the USTR imposed further tariffs, effective September 24, 2018, on products classified under the subheadings enumerated in Section XXII, Chapter 99, Subchapter III U.S. Note 20(f) and U.S. Note 20(g), HTSUS. For additional information, please see the relevant Federal Register notices dated June 20, 2018 (83 F.R. 28710), August 16, 2018 (83 F.R. 40823), and September 21, 2018 (83 F.R. 47974). Products of China that are provided for in subheading 9903.88.01, 9903.88.02, 9903.88.03, or 9903.88.04 and classified in one of the subheadings enumerated in U.S. Note 20(b), U.S. Note 20(d), U.S. Note 20(f) or U.S. Note 20(g) to subchapter III shall continue to be subject to antidumping, countervailing, or other duties, fees and charges that apply to such products, as well as to those imposed by the aforementioned Chapter 99 subheadings. Products of China classified under subheading 3917.32.0050, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to the additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.02, in addition to subheading 3917.32.0050, HTSUS, listed above. The tariff is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Notice cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. 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 Paul Hodgkiss at [email protected]. Sincerely, Steven A. Mack Director National Commodity Specialist Division