CLA-2-95:RR:NC:2:224: B86638

Carolyn W. Knight
V. Alexander & Co., Inc.
Customs Brokers
P.O. Box 291929
Nashville, Tenn. 37229-1929

RE: The tariff classification of five weighted baseballs and a carrying bag from China.

Dear Ms. Knight:

In your letter dated June 11, 1997, you requested a tariff classification ruling, on behalf of Worth Sporting Goods.

You are requesting the tariff classification on a weighted baseball kit. The baseball kit is comprised of five assorted weighted baseballs, one regulation baseball, and a 200 Denier nylon carrying bag with a drawstring for carrying the equipment. The 11 inch by 8 1/2 inch nylon bag is commonly known as a "stuff bag", designed to provide storage, protection, organization, and a degree of portability to the articles it may contain. The weighted baseballs are used in a twelve week training program designed to increase the throwing velocity of the pitcher, as well as keeping his throwing arm in condition during the off season. Sample will be returned as requested.

The applicable subheading for the baseballs will be 9506.69.2040, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for "Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls: Other: Baseballs and softballs...Baseballs." The rate of duty will be 1.8 percent, ad valorem.

The applicable subheading for the nylon carrying bag will be 4202.92.3030, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for "Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases...and similar containers: traveling bags, toiletry bags...cutlery cases and similar containers, of leather or of composition leather...of textile materials...: Other...Other: Of man-made fibers: Other." The rate of duty will be 19.3 percent, ad valorem.

The nylon carrying bag falls within textile category designation 670. As a product of China, this merchandise is subject to Quota and/or Visa Requirements based upon international trade agreements.

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 Thomas A. McKenna at 212-466-5475.

Sincerely,

Gwenn Klein Kirschner
Chief, Special Products Branch
National Commodity
Specialist Division