CLA-2-54:RR:NC:TA:352 M82285

Mr. Gordon C. Anderson
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
8855 Columbine Road, Suite 400
Eden Prairie, MN 55347-4148

RE: The tariff classification of two geotextile materials, for use in various civil engineering applications, from China.

Dear Mr. Anderson:

In your letter dated April 26, 2006, on behalf of Contech Construction Products Inc. you requested a classification ruling.

The first item, style # 200W, is a plain woven fabric composed of 100% polypropylene that has been dyed black. It is manufactured using polypropylene strips that measure approximately 2 millimeters in width, and, as such, meet the dimensional requirements to be considered synthetic textile. This material contains 24 strips per inch in the warp and 14 strips per inch in the filling. Weighing 168 g/m2, this fabric will be imported in 150 to 180 inch widths. Your correspondence indicates that this item will be used as a geotextile to inhibit erosion. We will not be able to rule on style #C70NW without more information. Specifically, is this material composed of filament or staple fibers? How many forms of bonding are used and, if needled, is the needling complimentary to some other form(s) of bonding? One surface of this material appears to have been coated. Is it coated, or just heat set? If coated, identify coating substance. The applicable subheading for the style #200W will be 5407.20.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from the materials of heading 5404, woven fabrics obtained from strip or the like. The rate of duty is Free.

Style #200W falls within textile category designation 620. Quota and visa status are the result of international agreements that are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information as to whether quota and visa requirements apply to this merchandise, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the “Textile Status Report for Absolute Quotas” available at our web site at www.cbp.gov. In addition, you will find current information on textile import quotas, textile safeguard actions and related issues at the web site of the Office of Textiles and Apparel, at otexa.ita.doc.gov.

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 Alan Tytelman 646-733-3045.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division