CLA-2-96:OT:RR:NC:N2:231
Ms. Vivian Park
Hew Hwon Kim CHB
17807 S. Hobart Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90248
RE: The tariff classification of filter cartridges for hookahs, from China.
Dear Ms. Park:
In your letter dated January 24, 2012, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Ashlynn Marketing Group Inc. (El Cajon, CA).
A sample described as a “disposable hookah filter” was submitted for our examination and is being retained for reference. The sample is a tapered, hard-plastic cylinder, the interior of which is partially occupied by what appears to be a wad of white fibrous material. The cylinder measures approximately 3-3/8” in length by 7/8” in diameter at the wide end and 3/8” in diameter at the narrow end. The interior of the wide end is fitted with a tapered, ribbed rubber gasket. The product is packed in a small, printed retail box which instructs the user to insert the narrow end of the item into a hookah’s hose port, and then insert the hookah’s hose into the opposite (wide) end. The packaging states that “one size fits all,” and that the product provides a smoother, longer-lasting experience, and also reduces tar and nicotine.
The applicable subheading for the above-described “disposable hookah filter” will be 9614.00.9890, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for smoking pipes (including pipe bowls) and cigar or cigarette holders, and parts thereof: other: other: other. The rate of duty will be 0.5 cents each plus 3 percent ad valorem.
Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.
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 Nathan Rosenstein at (646) 733-3030.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Russo
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division