CLA-2-56:RR:NC:TA:350 I88965

Ms. Nicole Tunile
Agra-Services Brokerage Company, Inc.
221-20 147th Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11413

RE: The tariff classification of nonwoven “Therapeutic Electro-Membranes”, from China.

Dear Ms. Tunile:

In your letter dated November 13, 2002, which is a follow-up to your earlier correspondence which was returned for more information, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The importer is Health Tech Int’l, South Hampton, PA. The manufacturer is Foshan Medicines & Health Product I/E Co., China.

The instant samples consist of “Therapeutic Electro-Membranes” which are put up in a sealed foil packet. Each packet contains one rectangular pad which measures approximately 6 1/2" x 3 1/2". These pads, which are stated to be composed of polypropylene man-made fibers, appear to be of a meltblown nonwoven construction (staple). While one of the submitted documents indicates that these pads do not contain any medicinals or other known therapeutic ingredients, you write that these pads have been impregnated with the following mineral substances which are not visually apparent:

Ca: 308. 4mg/kg Fe: 25. 3mg/kg Mg: 13.6mg/kg Na: 180.3mg/kg PO: 2mg/kg According, to the information on the sample packets, these membranes are designed to be placed on the site of pain in the body for the temporary relief of such things as arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, sprains & strains, etc. One membrane was informally weighed and was found to weigh approximately 102 g/m². The applicable subheading for the product will be 5603.93.0010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, of other than filaments, weighing more than 70 g/ m² but not more than 150g/ m², impregnated, coated or covered with material other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp or glass fibers. The rate of duty is Free.

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 George Barth at 646-733-3044.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division