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

NY G83793 November 17, 2000 CLA-2-21:RR:NC:2:228 G83793 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 2103.90.8000 Ms. Joan McKnight La CIE McCormick Canada Co. 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 Ms. McKnight: In your letter dated August 10, 2000, you requested a ruling on the status of a snack seasoning from Canada under the NAFTA. A sample and an ingredient breakdown accompanied your letter. The sample was examined and disposed of. USA Creamy Ranch Seasoning 91750 is an off-white-colored powder with green specks consisting of 20-30 percent buttermilk powder, 10-15 percent each of salt and cream powder, 5-10 percent each of spray dried shortening, cheese blend, corn syrup solids, tomato powder, and onion powder, 1-5 percent each of monosodium glutamate, dextrose, garlic powder, and sugar, 0.5-1 percent each of silicon dioxide, citric acid, color, malic acid, and less than one percent each of vegetable oil, liquid lactic acid, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, and color. The majority of the ingredients for the seasoning are products of either Canada or the United States. The exceptions are the monosodium glutamate from Brazil, the tomato powder from Spain, the disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate from Japan, and the sugar, which may originate in any of fourteen non-NAFTA countries. In Canada, the ingredients are mixed and packed for industrial use as a seasoning applied to rice cakes. 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 6.4 percent ad valorem. The non-originating materials used to make the seasoning have satisfied the changes in tariff classification required under HTSUSA General Note 12(t)/21/7. The article will be entitled to a free 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 212-637-7065. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division