CLA-2-62:RR:NC:N3:360 I81975

Ms. Jeannine Greener
Eddie Bauer, Inc.
P.O. Box 97000
Redmond, WA 98073-9700

RE: The tariff classification of a woman's dress from Hong Kong.

Dear Ms. Greener:

In your letter dated May 21, 2002, you requested a ruling on tariff classification. The sample submitted with your request will be returned to you under separate cover.

Item number 017-2480 (regular) is a woman’s dress constructed from 70 percent rayon and 30 percent wool woven fabric. The dress is sleeveless and features a scooped neckline and a full front opening secured by eleven buttons. This garment will also be imported in petite and tall sizes under item numbers 017-2481 and 017-2428.

The applicable subheading for the dress will be 6204.44.4010 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for women’s or girls’ suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear): dresses: of artificial fibers: other. The general rate of duty will be 16.2 percent ad valorem.

The dress falls within textile category designation 636. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of Hong Kong are currently subject to quota restraints and the requirement of a visa.

The designated textile and apparel categories and their quota and visa status are the result of international agreements that are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the U.S. Customs Service Textile Status Report, an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available at the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. In addition, 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 and should also be verified at the time of shipment.

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 Patricia Schiazzano at 646-733-3051.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division