The tariff classification of Powdered Drink Mixes from Costa Rica.

NY D83345 October 27, 1998 CLA-2-17:RR:NC:SP:232 D83345 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 1701.91.5400; 1701.91.5800 Mr. Jose Rodriguez-Ema Diversified Foods, Incorporated P.O. Box 56278 New Orleans, Louisiana 70156-6278 RE: The tariff classification of Powdered Drink Mixes from Costa Rica. Dear Mr. Rodriguez-Ema: In your letter dated October 5, 1998 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The subject merchandise is described as powdered drink mixes, which will be imported in the following flavors: cherry, strawberry, fruit punch, lemonade, orange and grape. The products all contain at least 87 percent sugar, with various quantities of citric acid, flavor, sodium citrate, modified corn starch, tricalcium phosphate, salt, ascorbic acid, artificial colors, and small quantities of various other ingredients. The submitted product label from the cherry flavored "Tropi Kool" drink mix shows the product has a net weight of 24 ounces. The subject merchandise will be sold in supermarkets. The applicable tariff provision for the powdered drink mixes, if imported in quantities that fall within the limits described in additional U.S. note 8 to chapter 17, will be 1701.91.5400 Harmonized Tariff Schedules of the United States (HTS), which provides for cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form: other...containing added flavoring matter whether or not containing added coloring...articles containing over 10 percent by dry weight of sugar described in additional U.S. note 3 to chapter 17...described in additional U.S. note 8 to chapter 17 and entered pursuant to its provisions. The rate of duty will be 6 percent ad valorem. If the quantitative limits of additional U.S. note 8 to chapter 17 have been reached, the product will be classified in subheading 1701.91.5800, HTS, and dutiable at the rate of 35.9 cents per kilogram plus 5.4 percent ad valorem. In addition, products classified in subheading 1701.91.5800, HTS, will be subject to additional duties based on their value, as described in subheadings 9904.17.49 to 9904.17.56, HTS. Articles which are classifiable under subheading 1701.91.5400, HTS, which are products of Costa Rica are entitled to duty free treatment under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) upon compliance with all applicable regulations. 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 John Maria at 212-466-5730. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division