CLA-2-39:RR:NC:SP:221 C89638
Mr. J. Stanley
309 Linden Avenue
Victoria, B.C., Canada V8V 4E8
RE: The tariff classification of the "PermaBag" from China.
Dear Mr. Stanley:
In your letter dated June 26, 1998, you requested a tariff classification
ruling.
The "PermaBag" is described as a climate control system used for the
storage of any item requiring protection from humidity. The main component of
the system is a zippered storage bag, available in sizes ranging from 160 cubic
feet to 560 cubic feet in capacity. A sample swatch of the material used to
manufacture the bag was included with your request. The material consists of
manmade fiber strips, measuring not over 5 mm in width, woven into a fabric
which is then coated on both sides with a pigmented plastics material which is
visible to the naked eye other than by change of color.
The bag is marketed as part of a complete storage system, including a water
absorbing clay desiccant packed inside perforated metal cylinders, a digital
hygrometer, and a brass padlock. The desiccant-filled cylinders and the
hygrometer are placed inside the bag along with the product to be stored. You
list as examples of products which might be stored in the bag an automobile, a
boat, antiques, film, pharmaceuticals or machinery. The bag is then zippered
closed, and the padlock may be attached to secure the contents. The moist air
within the PermaBag is absorbed until the relative humidity is below 50 percent.
The hygrometer will indicate when the desiccant needs to be regenerated. The
desiccant can be regenerated in an oven and reused repeatedly.
The storage bag is made is China, the desiccant compound is made in
Denmark, and the cylinders, hygrometer and brass lock are made in Germany. The
components are packaged together for retail sale. The bag predominates over the
other components by both weight and value and plays the major role in the
function of the storage system. The components constitute a set, with the
essential character imparted by the storage bag.
The applicable subheading for the "PermaBag" storage system will be
3926.90.9880, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which
provides for other articles of plastics, other. The rate of duty will be 5.3
percent ad valorem.
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 Joan Mazzola at 212-466-5580.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division