CLA-2-55:RR:E:NC:N3:351 R04929

Mei C. Li
Compliance Manager
Marubeni America Corporation
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3904

RE: The tariff classification of PVA staple fibers from Japan

Dear Ms. Li:

In your letter dated September 21, 2006, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Subsequently, you submitted a sample of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers in loose fiber form. The spun fiber has been chopped into lengths of less than 5mm. You state that they are intended to be processed into fabric. The sample fibers will be retained in our files.

The applicable subheading for the PVA staple fibers will be 5503.90.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning: Other: Other. The rate of duty will be 4.3% ad valorem.

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 World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.

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 Mitchel Bayer at 646-733-3102.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division