The tariff classification and status under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), of a snack seasoning from Canada; Article 509

NY A86122 August 29, 1996 CLA-2-21:RR:NC:FC:228 A86122 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 2103.90.8000 Mr. J. Frank McCormac McCormick Canada Inc. 3340 Orlando Drive Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4V 1C7 RE: The tariff classification and status under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), of a snack seasoning from Canada; Article 509 Dear Mr. McCormac: In your letter dated July 22, 1996, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample and an ingredients breakdown accompanied your letter. The sample was examined and disposed of. PC Sour Cream and Onion Seasoning is a fine, beige colored powder with green flakes, composed of 26 percent buttermilk powder, 20.16 percent "Protelac 175", 16 percent shortening, 14.45 percent dextrose, 8.02 percent salt, 2.30 onion powder, 2.20 percent sugar, 2.20 percent cream powder, 2 percent sour cream powder, 1.44 percent cultured dairy cream, 1 percent Stange acid blend, and less than one percent each of parsley, yogurt powder, citric acid, sour cream flavor, garlic powder, malt powder, Durkex Oil 500, lactic acid, onion flavor, spice extractives, and FC butter. The product is to be used as an ingredient to flavor snack foods. The ingredients are products of either Canada or the United States with the exception of the lactic acid, which is a product of Brazil. In Canada, the ingredients are mixed into a consistent blend, and packaged into 50 pound bags. The applicable subheading for the snack seasoning will be 2103.90.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for Mixed condiments and mixed seasonings ...other...other. The general rate of duty will be 7.1 percent ad valorem. Each of the non-originating materials used to make the snack ingredient have satisfied the changes in tariff classification required under HTSUSA General Note 12(t)/21/7. The article, when classified in subheading 2103.90.8000, will be entitled to a 1.5 percent ad valorem rate of duty under the NAFTA upon compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agreements. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 181 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 181). This ruling letter is binding only as to the party to whom it is issued and may be relied on only by that party. 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 Stanley Hopard at 212-466-5760. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director National Commodity Specialist Division