The tariff classification of Oxiplex/AP® Gel

NY R03956 May 25, 2006 CLA-2-30:RR:NC:2:238 R03956 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 3005.90.5090 Ms. Melissa M. Traylor FzioMed, Inc. 231 Bonetti Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: The tariff classification of Oxiplex/AP® Gel Dear Ms. Traylor: In your letter dated May 16, 2006, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The subject product, Oxiplex/AP® Gel, is an absorbable adhesion barrier, in the form of a clear, sterile gel, composed of polyethylene oxide and carboxymethylcellulose sodium stabilized with calcium chloride. The gel is intended to serve as a temporary mechanical barrier separating (by coating) surgically traumatized opposing tissue surfaces in the peritoneal cavity, where adhesions could potentially form, following gynecological surgery by laparoscopy. The gel is put up in 2 x 20mL syringes (20mL per syringe) that, along with a sterile, 12-inch, stainless steel applicator and instructions for use, are fitted into a sterile, thermoform (plastic) tray. The tray, in turn, is put up packaged for retail sale in a printed box. The applicable subheading for the subject product will be 3005.90.5090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary purposes: Other: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be free. 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 World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. This merchandise may be subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and/or The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (The Bioterrorism Act), which are administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information on the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as well as The Bioterrorism Act, can be obtained by calling the FDA at 1-888-463-6332, or by visiting their website at: www.fda.gov. 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 Harvey Kuperstein at 646-733-3033. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division