CLA-2-49:R:N4:234 814896

Mr. James J. Kelly
Barthco International, Inc.
7575 Holstein Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153

RE: The tariff classification of a children's book and activity set from China; Quota; Visa.

Dear Mr. Kelly:

In your letter dated September 18, 1995, on behalf of The Running Press, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

A sample identified as a "Native American Treasure Chest" was submitted and will be retained for reference. It consists of a reusable, bifurcated hinged paperboard box, complete with lock and key, containing a 32-page printed paperback book entitled "The American Indians," together with a number of objects described in the text. The objects include:

> plastic and paper pieces, plus a length of braided, synthetic textile cord ("thong"), from which a miniature tepee may be assembled

> plastic beads, a spool of cotton sewing thread, and a plastic loom to make a Sioux headband

> printed map of the Great Plains

> printed booklet on Native symbols and language

> various paper stickers and figures

> a design-printed, perforated sheet of paper which can be made into a parfleche

> printed paper game sheets

> printed paper instruction sheets

The 32-page "American Indians" book, in addition to referring to the objects accompanying it in the kit, contains a wealth of information on various aspects of Native history. It is the centerpiece of the overall "treasure chest," thus imparting the essential character of what we find to be "goods put up in sets for retail sale" (as that term is known in General Rule of Interpretation 3(b), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS)).

Accordingly, the applicable subheading for the "Native American Treasure Chest" will be 4901.99.0092, HTS, which provides for other (than certain enumerated) printed books, containing 5 or more pages each, but not more than 48 pages each (excluding covers). The rate of duty will be free.

Please note that the cotton thread falls within textile category designation 200, and the "thong" falls within category 669. While these components are not separately classifiable, they are nevertheless subject to quota and the requirement of a visa.

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. Part categories are the result of international bilateral agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information available, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the Status Report on Current Import Quotas (restraint levels), an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available for inspection at your local Customs office.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 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 Carl Abramowitz, at (212) 466-5733.


Sincerely,

Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division