The tariff classification of handbags from China.

NY D82253 September 29, 1998 CLA-2-42:RR:NC:TA:341 D82253 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4202.22.4500; 4202.22.8050 Ms. Ludene Murphree Gap, Inc. One Harrison Street San Francisco, CA 94105 RE: The tariff classification of handbags from China. Dear Ms. Murphree: In your letter dated September 13, 1998, you requested a classification ruling for handbags. You have submitted three samples of ladies handbags. Styles 597471 and 597510 are manufactured with an outer surface of a crocheted yarn said to be composed of 63 percent cotton and 37 percent "olefin" man-made fibers. Style 597515 is manufactured of 100 percent "olefin" man-made fibers. All three styles feature tubular handles. The center core of the handles are not braided. The handles are of a knit construction, not braided. The bags are secured by means of textile zippered closure and/or metal snap fasteners. Your samples are being returned as you requested. The applicable subheading for Styles 597471 and 597510, the handbags of 63 percent cotton and 37 percent olefin, will be 4202.22.4500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle, with outer surface of textile materials, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted construction, of cotton. The duty rate will be 6.8 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for Style 597515, the handbag of 100 percent olefin man-made fibers, will be 4202.22.8050, HTS, which provides for handbags, whether or not with shoulder strap, including those without handle, with outer surface of textile materials, other, of man-made fibers. The duty rate will be 19 percent ad valorem. Items classifiable under 4202.22.4500 fall within textile category designation 369. Item classifiable under 4202.22.8050 fall within textile category 670. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa. The designated textile and apparel categories may be subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Part categories are the result of international bilateral agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information available, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the Status Report on Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available for inspection at your local Customs office. 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 Kevin Gorman at 212-466-5893. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division