CLA-2-42:OT:RR:NC:N4 441
Antonio Aleman
OEC Logistics
555 Pierce Road Itasca, IL 60143
RE: The tariff classification of a backpack from China Dear Mr. Aleman: In your letter, dated April 2, 2024, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Travelon bags. You submitted photographs and descriptive literature for our review.
Style number 43502 is a backpack. You stated that it is constructed with an outer surface of 100 percent polyester, which is a man-made textile material. It is designed to provide storage, protection, organization, and portability to personal effects during travel. The interior has one zippered pocket, one open pocket, and several slot pockets. The article measures 11 inches (W) x 15.75 inches (H) x 5 (D) inches and has a zippered closure. The front exterior features one zippered pocket on the right side.
The article features two shoulder straps. It also has two straps that allow the user to wear it over the shoulders on the back. These two sets of straps allow the article to convert from a backpack to a tote bag. On that basis, you have inquired as to whether it would be classified under subheading 4202.92.3120, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which specifically provides for backpacks, or under subheading 4202.92.3131, HTSUS, which provides for other travel, sports, and similar bags, with outer surface of textile material. As the subheading for backpacks is the more specific provision, it will be classified therein.
The applicable subheading for the backpack will be 4202.92.3120, HTSUS, which provides for travel, sports, and similar bags, with outer surface of textile materials, of man-made fibers, backpacks. The general rate of duty will be 17.6 percent ad valorem. Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheading 4202.92.3120, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.03, in addition to subheading 4202.92.3120, HTSUS, listed above.
The HTSUS is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Note cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. For background information regarding the trade remedy initiated pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, including information on exclusions and their effective dates, you may refer to the relevant parts of the USTR and CBP websites, which are available at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/tariff-actions and https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/301-certain-products-china respectively.
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 the World Wide Web at https://hts.usitc.gov/current.
The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2. Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP.
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 Vikki Lazaro at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division