CLA-2-63:RR:NC:TA:352 E82026

Mr. Christopher T. Wyffels
Ergodyne Corporation
1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 1
Saint Paul, MN 55108

RE: The tariff classification of knee sleeve and a wrist sleeve from China and Taiwan.

Dear Mr. Wyffels:

In your letter dated May 24, 1999 you requested a tariff classification ruling. This letter will only address the classification of the knee sleeve, Model 600 and the wrist sleeve, Model 670. The balance of the items that you refer to in your letter will be ruled on under NY E82025 and NY E82963.

The submitted samples, designated as Model 600 knee sleeve and Model 670 wrist sleeve, are articles designed to support and protect the knee and wrist respectively. Both articles are composed of neoprene rubber laminated on both sides with knit fabric. The laminated fabric is cut to the appropriate size and hemmed creating tubular articles. The knee support is approximately 12 inches long and tapers from 9 inches in diameter to 6 inches in diameter. This product depends exclusively on its elasticity to support and protect the knee joint. The wrist support while similar in shape to the knee sleeve has a hole punched in the laminated fabric through which the thumb is slipped. On either side of the wrist sleeve a patch of knit pile fabric has been sewn. An elasticized strip of fabric with hook and loop fasteners sewn on the ends wraps around the wrist sleeve and is secured to the knit pile fabric increasing the support and protection provided by the article. The wrist support depends almost exclusively on its elasticity for the support and protection it provides to the wrist joint.

The applicable subheading for the both the wrist and knee sleeves will be 6307.90.9989, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other made up articles, including dress patterns, other, other, other, other, other. The rate of duty will be 7 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 Alan Tytelman at 212-637-7092.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division