The tariff classification of footwear from China

NY K80671 November 24, 2003 CLA-2-64:RR:NC:SP:247 K80671 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6403.99.60 ; 6403.99.90 Ms. Sandra Kobs Kohl’s Department Stores N56 W17000 Ridgewood Drive Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 RE: The tariff classification of footwear from China Dear Ms. Kobs: In your letter dated November 11, 2003 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The submitted half pair sample identified as style name “Crocodile Brown” is an open-toe, open-heel sandal that has a predominately leather upper external surface area. The sandal features an adjustable hook-and-loop strap crossing at the front of the instep area over the toes and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap behind the heel and another with a plastic snap closure at the front of the ankle. The external surface area of the upper, as you state, consists of 75% leather, 20% textile and 5% rubber/plastics materials. The leather external surface area material component parts of this sandal’s upper overlay some of the textile material component parts and are lasted under the insole to add structure and strength to the upper. The sandal also has a molded rubber/plastic bottom. You propose selling this sandal as “Men’s footwear” and you state that it will be made available in “sizes 7-13.” Since this is the type of footwear that is commonly worn by both sexes and as you assert, there will not be a “comparable/similar style” offered for women, these shoes will be considered “unisex” in sizes up to and including American men’s size 8. The applicable subheading for this sandal, identified as style “Crocodile Brown,” in American men’s size 8.5 and larger will be 6403.99.60, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for footwear with uppers predominately of leather and outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather; which is not “sports footwear”; which does not cover the ankle; for men youths and boys. The rate of duty will be 8.5% ad valorem. In sizes up to and including American men’s size 8, the applicable subheading will be 6403.99.90, HTS, which provides for footwear with upper’s predominately of leather and outer soles of rubber, plastics or composition leather; which is not “sports footwear”; which does not covers the ankle; which is valued over $2.50 per pair; for other persons. The rate of duty will be 10% ad valorem. We also note that the submitted sample is not properly marked with the country of origin. Therefore, if imported as is, this sandal will not meet the country of origin marking requirement of 19 U.S.C. 1304. Accordingly, the sandal would be considered not legally marked under the provisions of 19 C.F.R. 134.11 which states, “every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the U.S. shall be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article (or container) will permit.” We are returning the sample as you requested. 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 Richard Foley at 646-733-3042. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division