CLA-2-09:RR:NC:2:231 I88088

Mr. Claudio Garcia
Mel Import and Export Company, Inc.
19221 Northeast 10th Avenue, Suite 222
North Miami Beach, FL 33179

RE: The tariff classification of oregano from Argentina.

Dear Mr. Garcia:

In your letter, dated October 30, 2002, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise is described thus:

“Mahuida” brand oregano (Lippia spp.); the net weight is 20 grams “Mahuida” brand oregano (Origanum spp.); the net weight is 20 grams

Both items are packed in glass bottles with metal caps.

The applicable subheading for oregano (Lippia spp.) will be 0910.99.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices, other spices, other, origanum (Lippia spp.), crude or not manufactured. The rate of duty will be Free.

The applicable subheading for oregano (Origanum spp.) will be 0910.99.6000, HTS, which provides for ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices, other spices, other, other. The rate of duty will be 1.9 percent ad valorem.

Subheading 0910.99.6000, HTSUS, is currently listed as an eligible subheading for duty purposes under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Goods classifiable under this subheading, which are products of Argentina, may be entitled to duty free treatment under this GSP provision, upon compliance with all applicable regulations. The GSP, however, is subject to modification and periodic suspension, which may affect the status of your transaction at the time of entry for consumption or withdrawal from warehouse. To obtain current information on GSP, check the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. At the Web site, click on "CEBB" and then search for the term "T-GSP".

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 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 Thomas Brady at (646) 733-3030.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity
Specialist Division