The tariff classification of fish traps of polyethylene over steel frames from China and artificial seaweed of polypropylene from Japan.

NY G89851 April 18, 2001 CLA-2-56:RR:NC:N3:351 G89851 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 5608.19.2090, 5609.00.3000 Mr. Victor Llarena Florida National Brokers, Inc. 7100 N.W. 12 St. (S-103) Miami, FL 33126 RE: The tariff classification of fish traps of polyethylene over steel frames from China and artificial seaweed of polypropylene from Japan. Dear Mr. Llarena: In your letter dated April 4, 2001, you requested a ruling on behalf of Fukui North America on tariff classification. This letter appears to be a follow-up to our ruling G87465, in which we were unable to rule upon all of the items because we lacked certain information. You have now supplied that information for semi-oval fish trap, item number FT-D. It is composed of a vinyl-covered, high-tensile, collapsible steel frame covered with a mesh composed of knotted polyethylene yarns. Also included in the recent letter was a sample of an item you call artificial seaweed. It is made from a length of polyethylene core rope with polypropylene strips braided through it; the polypropylene strips extend approximately five inches out of each side of the rope core, simulating grass-like leaves which help trap mussel spat (babies) in oceans or hatchery tanks. The polypropylene strips are under 5mm in apparent width, thus fitting the tariff definition of textile strip. The applicable subheading for the fish trap will be 5608.19.2090, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for knotted netting of twine, of man-made materials, other, other, other. The general rate of duty will be 6.5 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the artificial seaweed will be 5609.00.3000, HTS, which provides for articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading 5404 or 5405, twine, cordage, rope or cables, not elsewhere specified or included: Of man-made fibers. The general rate of duty will be 5.8 percent ad valorem. The fish trap FT-D falls within textile category designation 229. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China are currently subject to quota and the requirement of a visa. The designated textile and apparel categories and their quota and visa status are the result of international agreements that are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the U.S. Customs Service Textile Status Report, an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available at the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. In addition, 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 and should also be verified at the time of shipment. 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 Mitchel Bayer at 212-637-7086. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division