CLA-2-96:RR:NC:SP:233 D82572
Mr. Roger J. Crain
Customs Science Services, Inc.
3506 Frederick Place
Kensington, MD 20895-3405
RE: The tariff classification of the "Swiffer" Floor Sweeper from
China and the Netherlands.
Dear Mr. Crain:
In your letter dated September 16, 1998, on behalf of Procter
& Gamble Co., you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The submitted sample is the "Swiffer" floor sweeper,
consisting of a handle and a plate (which together comprise the
"implement") which is made in China, and a chemically treated dust
cloth which is made in the Netherlands. Ten dust cloths are
packaged with the implement in a retail-sale package. The handle
of the implement consists of three sections of aluminum pipe and a
fourth hand-grip section of plastic which screw together. The
lowest section of the handle screws into a fitting which, in turn,
screws into a plastic plate. Mechanical gripers on the plastic
plate seize the dust cloth to complete the Swiffer. The Swiffer
may be assembled full-length for use like a floor sweeper, or the
hand-grip handle may be screwed directly into the plate for use
like a hand duster.
The disposable dust cloths for use with the Swiffer are of
man-made nonwoven fabric coated/impregnated with a mixture of
mineral oil and paraffin wax. Additional dust cloths in packages
of 10 or 20 cloths per package will be imported and sold
separately.
The Swiffer is considered a composite good for classification
purposes. GRI 3(b) states in part that "goods made up of different
components which cannot be classified by reference to 3(a),
shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or
component which gives them their essential character." The
essential character of the subject article is imparted by the
Swiffer sweeper.
Your sample is being retained for training purposes.
The applicable subheading for the Swiffer will be
9603.90.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for other brooms, brushes... mops and feather
dusters. The rate of duty will be 3.4% ad valorem.
The applicable subheading of the dust cloths, if imported and
sold separately, will be 6307.10.2030, HTS, which provides for
other made up articles, including dress patterns: floorcloths,
dishcloths, dusters and similar cleaning cloths: other, other. The
rate of duty will be 8.4% 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 Lawrence Mushinske at
212-466-5739.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division