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

NY H83279 July 24, 2001 CLA-2-21:RR:NC:2:228 H83279 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 June 5, 2001, you requested a ruling on the status of a snack seasoning from Canada under the NAFTA. A sample and an ingredients breakdown accompanied your letters. The sample was examined and disposed of. NY White Cheddar Seasoning DK 91801, is a white colored powder consisting of 20-30 percent each of maltodextrin and cheese blend, 15-20 percent cream powder, 10-15 percent salt, 5-10 percent each of corn syrup solids and spray dried butter, 1-5 percent each of whey powder and enzyme modified cheddar cheese, and less than one percent each of silicon dioxide, citric acid, kosher parmesan cheese, partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil, butter flavor, and lactic acid. All but one of the ingredients used to make the seasoning are products of either Canada or the United States. The exception is the lactic acid from the Netherlands. In Canada, the ingredients are mixed and packed for industrial use as a seasoning, applied to rice crispy chips. The applicable subheading for the seasoning will be 2103.90.8000, HTS, which provides for mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsYotherYotherYother. The duty rate will be 6.4 percent ad valorem. The non-originating material used to make the seasoning has satisfied the change 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