The tariff classification of "BVDA Gelatin Lifters"(fingerprint and footprint lifters) from the Netherlands.

NY 851542 May 03 1990 CLA-2-96:S:N:N1:236 851542 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9602.00.1080 Mr. Laurence L. Dow - President ODV, Inc. P.O. Box 305 - Swallow Road South Paris, ME 04281 RE: The tariff classification of "BVDA Gelatin Lifters" (fingerprint and footprint lifters) from the Netherlands. Dear Mr. Dow: In your letter dated April 12, 1990, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The prospective imports consist of black, white and transparent fingerprint lifters in various sizes. The black and white lifters are made of three layers: the rubber backing material (53% of the value), the gelatin layer (27% of the value) and the clear polyester cover sheet (20% of the value). The transparent lifters consist of a layer of gelatin (55% of the value) sandwiched between two layers of clear polyester sheets (45% of the value). All three lifters are used to obtain fingerprints, footprints, dustmarks and microtraces (particle samples of various materials) from a variety of surfaces. After peeling off the protective plastic cover sheet, the gelatin is pressed upon a substrate and will lift the suspect impression (fingerprint). It is the gelatin that gives the composite article its essential character. The applicable subheading for the gelatin fingerprint lifters will be 9602.00.1080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for worked unhardened gelatin and articles thereof: other. The rate of duty will be 4.2 percent ad valorem. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the transaction. Sincerely, Jean F. Maguire Area Director New York Seaport