The tariff classification of bath sponges and finger puppet bath gloves from China.

NY H89050 March 27, 2002 CLA-2-63:RR:NC:TA:349 H89050 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6302.60.0030; 9503.90.0080 Mr. Christopher O’Malley CVS One CVS Drive Woonsoket, Rhode Island 02895 RE: The tariff classification of bath sponges and finger puppet bath gloves from China. Dear Mr. O’Malley: In your letter dated March 6, 2001 you requested a classification ruling. The instant samples are bath sponges and finger puppet bath gloves. Styles A1 and A2 are bath sponges comprised of a piece of plastic foam, which is covered with 100 percent cotton knit terry fabric. One side of style A1 is stylized to resemble a panda bear. It features a puffed face with eyes, an embroidered nose and mouth. Affixed to the top is a textile loop. One side of style A2 is stylized to resemble a reindeer with a puffed face, antlers and legs. The oval sponges measure approximately 3.5 x 6 inches and are 2 inches thick. Styles B1 and B2 are finger puppet bath gloves. The finger puppet gloves measure approximately 6 x 10 inches. They have an opening at the bottom used to insert your hand. A stuffed animal head is sewn to the tip of each finger. Style B1 is designed to resemble a dragon. Each finger features a face, flap mouth and eyes. Style B2 is designed to resemble a reindeer with antlers, appliqued eyes and nose. The puppet gloves are made from plastic foam that has been covered with100 percent cotton knit terry fabric. Both gloves have an inner knit lining. The puppet heads are stuffed with fiberfill. As requested all the samples are being returned. The applicable subheading for the bath sponges will be 6302.60.0030, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for toilet linen and kitchen linen, of terry toweling or similar terry fabrics, of cotton… other. The duty rate will be 9.3 percent ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the finger puppet gloves will be 9503.90.0080, HTS, which provides for other toys; reduced-size (“scale”) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories thereof: other. The rate of duty will be free. The bath sponge falls within textile category designation 369. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of China are not subject to the requirement of quota or 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 John Hansen at 212-637-7078. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division