CLA-2-56:OT:RR:NC:N3:351

Mr. John Zulk
Mock Medical, LLC
107 South State Street
P.O. Box 269
Terril, Iowa 51364

RE: The tariff classification of an assortment of textile and latex surgical supplies from China

Dear Mr. Zulk:

In your letter dated May 31, 2016 you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples and photographs have been submitted and will be retained.

Photos have been submitted of latex gloves.  You state that there are two styles and that both styles of gloves will be seamless. One style is made of 100% natural rubber latex and the other style is made of 98% rubber latex and 2% protein. The latter style will have powder inside to aid in donning the glove.  The gloves will be labeled with the wording “not for surgical use” and “for educational use only”.

The applicable subheading for both styles of gloves will be 4015.19.1010, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: gloves, mittens and mitts: other: other: seamless: disposable”.  The rate of duty will be 3% ad valorem.

Samples of surgical gowns have been submitted.  The garments are disposable and are composed of non-woven polypropylene textile material. They feature long sleeves with knit cuffs, a full back opening and a hook and loop closure at the back of the neck.  

The applicable subheading for surgical gowns will be 6210.10.5000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for "Garments, made up of fabrics of heading 5602, 5603, 6903, 5906 or 5907: Of fabrics of heading 5602 or 5603: Other: Non-woven disposable apparel designed for use in hospitals, clinics, laboratories or contaminated areas." The rate of duty will be Free.

A sample of a disposable surgical drape has been submitted. The drape, of nonwoven fabric of man-made fibers, consists of a large rectangle with a U-shaped slot cut into one end.  The area around the bottom end of the slot is reinforced with a second layer of nonwoven material; the edges of the slot, on one side of the fabric, bear a pressure sensitive adhesive material protected by release paper. 

The applicable subheading for the surgical drape will be 6307.90.6800, HTSUS, which provides for other made up articles…: other: surgical drapes: other: spunlaced or bonded fiber fabric disposable surgical drapes of man-made fibers.  The rate of duty will be Free.

Samples of a surgical face mask and shoe covers were submitted. The surgical face mask is disposable and is composed of non-woven 95% polypropylene and 5% cotton textile material. The mask is pleated on the front side and designed with a slim aluminum wire in the center to conform over the bridge of the nose. Non-woven straps are heat sealed to each side of the mask.

The shoe covers are made from a thin non-woven fabric composed of 90% polyester, 5% cotton and 5% elastic rubber. The shoe covers feature an opening on top with an elastic band.

The applicable subheading for the surgical masks and shoe covers will be 6307.90.9889 HTSUS, which provides for other made up textile articles, other. The rate of duty will be 7% ad valorem.

Seven suture samples have been submitted. Suture Pdo is a monofilament thread composed of polydioxanone. Suture “V” Braided Violet is a braided thread composed of polygycolic acid coated with calcium stearate. Suture Mono is a monofilament composed of copolymer and epsilon-caprolactone. Suture Chromic is thread composed of natural purified collagen. Suture Poly is a monofilament thread composed of polypropylene. Suture Silk is a a monofilament thread composed of silk. Suture Nylon is a monofilament thread composed of nylon. You state that all sutures are for suture pad use and all will be attached to stainless steel (blunt and sharp) needles.

The applicable subheading for the seven sutures with attached needles will be 9018.90.8000 HTSUS, which provides for “Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight-testing instruments; Parts and accessories thereof: Other: Other.” The general rate of duty will be Free.

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 https://hts.usitc.gov/current.

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 K. Lenore Calabrese at [email protected] for heading 4015, National Import Specialist Rosemarie Hayward at [email protected] for heading 6210, National Import Specialist Maribeth Dunajski at [email protected] for subheading 6307.90.6800, Adleasia Lonesome at [email protected] for subheading 6307. 90.9889 and National Import Specialist Kimberly Praino at [email protected] for heading 9018.


Sincerely,

Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division