The tariff classification of a bamboo access mat from China

N339169 April 22, 2024 CLA-2-44:OT:RR:NC:4:434 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4421.91.9880; 9903.88.03 John Malley Silvershot, Inc. 14 Drake Landing Gardens Okotoks, T1S0P8 Canada RE:      The tariff classification of a bamboo access mat from China      Dear Mr. Malley: In your letter, dated March 28, 2024, you requested a tariff classification ruling.  Photos and a description of the items were submitted for our review. The bamboo access mats under consideration are rig mats that are placed over terrain in order to provide a steady surface over which vehicles can drive.  The panels are constructed of three layers of strand bamboo that are bolted together.  The driving surface is covered with an anti-slip coating consisting of polyurethane and crushed glass.  The panels are generally rectangular but have “tabs” at each narrow end to facilitate joining of multiple mats. The construction of the mats does not meet the definition of plywood, veneered panels, or similar laminated wood.  Therefore, classification in heading 4412 is precluded.  The mats are not described by the language of any other specific heading in Chapter 44. The applicable subheading for the bamboo access mats will be 4421.91.9880, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Other articles of wood:  Other: Other: Other: Other: Other.  The rate of duty will be 3.3 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. Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheading 4421.91.9880, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, 9903.88.03, in addition to subheading 4421.91.9880, HTSUS, listed above. The HTSUS is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Note cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. For background information regarding the trade remedy initiated pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, you may refer to the relevant parts of the USTR and CBP websites, which are available at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/tariff-actions and https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/301-certain-products-china, respectively. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request.  This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1).  This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect.  In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.  Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP. 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 Charlene Miller at [email protected]. Sincerely, Steven A. Mack Director National Commodity Specialist Division