The tariff classification of footwear from China

NY L88966 December 2, 2005 CLA-2-64:RR:NC:247: L88966 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6402.99.18 Mr. Martin J. Sveum FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage #8 14th Street Blaine, WA 98231-1738 RE: The tariff classification of footwear from China Dear Mr. Sveum: In your letter dated November 16, 2005 you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Safety Seven Manufacturing for an item identified as “ErgoMates.” The item is a sandal with an outer sole composed of small strands of polyurethane plastics material and an upper consisting of plastics straps with a hook & loop closure over the instep. The applicable subheading for “ErgoMates” will be 6402.99.18 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, not covering the ankle; having uppers of which over 90% of the external surface area is rubber or plastics (including any accessories or reinforcements), not having a foxing or foxing-like band, other. The rate of duty will be 6 percent ad valorem. The submitted sample is not marked with the country of origin. Therefore, if imported as is, will not meet the country of origin marking requirements of 19 U.S.C. 1304. Accordingly, the footwear 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, in such manner as to indicate to the ultimate purchaser in the U.S. the English name of the country of origin of the article." 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