Classification of laundry net bag

HQ 083020 March 27, 1990 CLA-2:CO:R:C:G 083020 DRR CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6307.90.9050 Mr. Jack Golla Action Industries, Inc. Allegeny Industrial Park Cheswick, Pennsylvania 15024 Re: Classification of laundry net bag Dear Mr. Golla: This is in reference to your letter dated May 2, 1988, requesting the classification of a net laundry bag under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA). FACTS: The merchandise at issue is a laundry bag designed for use in a washing machine, your item number 7512. The bag is constructed of nylon net with a drawstring closure at one end. The bags will be imported from Hong Kong. ISSUE: Whether the bag at issue is classifiable under Heading 5608, HTSUSA, Heading 6307, HTSUSA, or Heading 4202, HTSUSA. LAW AND ANALYSIS: Classification of merchandise is in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), taken in order. GRI 1 provides that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 5608, HTSUSA, provides for made up nets. Heading 4202, HTSUSA, provides for, among other things, suitcases, trunks, and various types of bags. Heading 6307, HTSUSA, provides for other made up articles. - 2 - The Explanatory Notes to the HTSUSA may be consulted for guidance as to the correct interpretation of the various HTSUSA provisions. The Explanatory Notes for heading 5608 state that "made up fishing nets and other made up nets, of textile materials... may be made of yarn and the open mesh may be obtained by knotting or otherwise." The Explanatory Notes for that heading also state that this subheading includes net shopping bags and similar carrying nets. However, the raschel knit fabric of which the bag at issue is constructed is a knit fabric and not considered net fabric for purposes of the HTSUSA. In order for an article to be classified in Heading 5608 as other made up nets it must be made of a net fabric classifiable in heading 5804. In light of the fact that the terms of Heading 5804 exclude knit fabrics, the knit bag at issue cannot be classified in Heading 5608. Although the Explanatory Notes for Heading 4202 do not specifically exclude lingerie bags, the items enumerated in that heading are generally items used for the storage, protection, or transportation of other belongings. The lingerie bag at issue, which is intended for use in a washing machine, does not appear to belong in this heading. Furthermore, the bag at issue is not designed for travel and would therefore not be within the purview of Additional U.S. note 1 to Chapter 42, which states that Heading 4202 includes articles designed for carrying clothing and other personal effects during travel. With regard to the remaining provision under consideration, Heading 6307, the Explanatory Notes state that this heading covers made up articles of any textile material which are not included more specifically elsewhere. Accordingly, the laundry bag at issue is classifiable under the provisions of Heading 6307. HOLDING: The bag at issue is classifiable under subheading 6307.90.9050, HTSUSA, as other made up articles, other, other, with a duty rate of 7 percent ad valorem. There is currently no textile category for this subheading. - 3 - Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation and the restraint (quota/visa) categories applicable to textile merchandise, you should contact the local Customs office prior to importation of this merchandise to determine the current status of any import restraints or requirements. Sincerely, John Durant, Director Commercial Rulings Division 6cc A.D, N.Y. Seaport rimmer library/peh 083020