CLA-2-42:RR:NC:341:E86599

Ms. Anne Fontenoy
2 Rozel Terrace, Church Road
Croydon, Surrey, CRO 1SG England

RE: The tariff classification of evening bags from England.

Dear Ms. Fontenoy:

In your letter dated August 26th, 1999, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The photos submitted with your request, no style numbers included, are identified as hand sewn evening bags. The evening bags are constructed of an exterior surface of either 100% silk or 100% acetate. The outer surface of the bags is lightly ornamented with glass beads. Each bag is lined and features a braided shoulder strap. Although not stated, it is assumed that each evening bag is hand made in England.

The applicable subheading for the evening bags of 100% silk will be 4202.22.4010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap…with outer surface of textile materials, wholly or in part of braid, other, containing 85% or more by weight of silk or silk waste. The rate of duty will be 7.9% ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the evening bags of 100% acetate will be 4202.22.4030, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap…with outer surface of textile materials, wholly or in part of braid, other, other, of man-made fibers. The rate of duty will be 7.9% ad valorem.

The marking statute, section 304, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. §1304), provides that, unless excepted, every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the U.S. shall be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly and permanently as the nature of the article (or its container) will permit, in such a manner as to indicate to the ultimate purchaser in the U.S. the English name of the country of origin of the article. We suggest that the bags be marked by means of a fabric label sewn into the side interior of each bag that reads "Made in England".

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 Kevin Gorman at 212-637-7091.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division