CLA-2-32:RR:NC:FC:236 A87284

Mr.Erik Smithweiss
Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz & Silverman LLP
Counselors at Law
245 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10167

RE: The tariff classification of NP 159, Top Brand Latex Adhesive and NP 36AF from China

Dear Mr. Smithweiss:

In your letter dated September 5, 1996, on behalf of your client Nine West, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The samples are as follows:

NP 159 consists of a resin (polychloroprene and polyacrylate), a glycerol ester of rosin (a tackifier) and a solvent (toluene and MEK).

Top Brand Latex Adhesive consists of polyisoprene (rubber), carboxymethyl cellulose (a tackifier), aqueous ammonia and water.

NP 36AF consists of polyurethane and a solvent (MEK and Toluene).

The applicable subheading for NP 159 and Top Brand Latex Adhesive will be 3506.91.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for prepared glue and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding a net weight of 1 kg: Other: Adhesives based on rubber or plastics(including artificial resins). The rate of duty will be 2.1 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for NP 36AF will be 3208.90.0000, HTS, which provides for paint and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a nonaqueous medium; solutions as defined in note 4 to this chapter: Other. The rate of duty will be 3.2 percent ad valorem.

If the above products are imported in packages put up for retail sale as glue or adhesives, not exceeding in net weight of 1 kg, the applicable subheading will be 3506.10.5000, HTS, which provided for prepared glue and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding a net weight of 1 kg: Product suitable for use as glue or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding a net weight of 1 kg: Other. The rate of duty will be 2.1 percent ad valorem.

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 V. Gualario at 212-466-5744.

Sincerely,

Roger J. Silvestri
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division