CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 086609 CB
Mr. John Wolfson
Leading Forwarders Incorporated
One World Trade Center
Suite 1923
New York, New York 10048
RE: Classification of textile bracelet
Dear Mr. Wolfson:
This is in reply to your letter of January 26, 1990, on
behalf of Equality Specialties, Inc., requesting a classification
ruling under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
Annotated (HTSUSA), for certain articles to be worn as bracelets.
FACTS:
The sample article consists of a polypropylene cord tied
into a loop with a slipknot which can be used to adjust the size
of the loop. According to the information you have provided, the
cord will be manufactured in the United States and then sent to
the West Indies. The cord will be sent either in cut pieces
ready to make the tie or on spools to be cut and tied and
returned to the United States. Additionallly, we have also been
advised that the articles would be worn as bracelets.
ISSUE:
How are the subject articles classified under the HTSUSA?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of merchandise under the HTSUSA is in
accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI's),
taken in order. GRI 1 provides that the starting point is the
terms of the headings of the tariff and any relevant section or
chapter notes.
-2-
The merchandise at issue is classifiable under two competing
headings. Chapter 56, HTSUSA, provides for wadding,...cordage,
ropes and cables and articles thereof. The Explanatory Notes to
heading 5609 provide that the heading covers articles of cordage
cut to length and looped at one or both ends. The subject
merchandise is an article of cordage cut to pieces and looped
with a slipknot at one end.
Heading 6217, HTSUSA, provides for other made up clothing
accessories; parts of garments or of clothing accessories. The
Explanatory Notes to heading 6217 provide that lanyards are to be
included as other made up clothing accessories under this
heading. Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary (1984)
defines a lanyard as a cord worn around the neck for carrying
something. A lanyard is similar to the subject merchandise in
that it is also a cord worn around the body.
GRI 2(a) provides that when goods are classifiable under two
headings the most specific description shall be preferred to the
more general description. It is Customs position that the term
"an article of cordage" describes the subject merchandise more
specifically than the term "other made up clothing accessories".
Therefore, pursuant to GRI 2(a), the subject merchandise is
properly classified in heading 5609, HTSUSA, as an article of
cordage.
HOLDING:
The subject polypropylene cord is classifiable in subheading
5609.00.3000, HTSUSA, which provides for articles of yarn,...
cordage, rope or cables, not elsewhere specified or included, of
man-made fibers. The rate of duty is 9 percent ad valorem.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division