CLA-2-55:RR:NC:TA:352 B80526

Mr. Joseph Amato
Maxwell RF Radiation Safety
2442 NW Market Street, Suite 211
Seattle, Washington 98107

RE: The tariff classification of an aramid/stainless steel fiber blend woven fabric and coveralls made from that fabric from Japan or Germany.

Dear Mr. Amato:

In your letter dated December 11, 1996 you requested a classification ruling.

The submitted sample is a 2X1 twill woven fabric which has been dyed a single uniform color. Laboratory analysis indicates that this product is composed of 88% staple aramid fiber and 12% stainless steel fiber. The fabric contains 21.2 single yarns per centimeter in the warp and 20.5 single yarns per centimeter in the filling. This product weighs 226.6 g/m2 and will be imported in widths exceeding 30 centimeters. This fabric is design for the manufacture of safety products where protection from microwave energy is required. Based on the quantity of aramid fiber and the use of the fabric for the manufacture of clothing where the unique characteristics of the textile fiber is required, the essential character of this product has been imparted by the aramid fiber.

Your inquiry also asks about the classification of coveralls made from the fabric described above. You have stated that these coveralls are characterized by full body coverage and feature long sleeves and a full front zipper closure. This product is design to be worn in a variety of settings to protect workers from the hazards of microwave radiation exposure.

The applicable subheading for the twill woven fabric will be 5512.99.0040, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers, other, other, other, satin weave or twill weave. The duty rate will be 15.5 percent ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the coveralls will be 6211.33.0010, HTS, which provides for other garments, men's or boys', of man-made fibers, coveralls, jumpsuits and similar apparel, other, men's. The duty rate will be 16.7 percent ad valorem.

The twill woven fabric falls within textile category designation 617 while the coveralls fall within textile category designation 659. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of Japan are subject to visa requirements. There are no quota or visa requirements for these products when they are produced in Germany.

The designated textile and apparel categories may be subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Part categories are the result of international bilateral agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information available, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the Status Report on Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available for inspection at your local Customs office.

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 at 212-466-5896.

Sincerely,

Paul K. Schwartz
Chief, Textile and Apparel Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division