The tariff classification of sterilization pouches and rolls from Canada

N040340 October 30, 2008 CLA-2-48:OT:RR:NC:2:234 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4819.50.4060; 4823.90.8600 Mr. Darren Lair Universal Logistics Inc. 125 Commerce Valley Drive West Suite 750 Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L37 7W4 RE: The tariff classification of sterilization pouches and rolls from Canada Dear Mr. Lair: In your letter dated August 29, 2008, received in this office October 2, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, G. S. Medical Packaging Inc. You submitted samples of a sterilization pouch and sterilization rolls for our examination which will be returned to you as requested. Sample 1 is a flat, two-walled pouch consisting of a rectangular sheet of paper and a sheet of bluish clear plastic material which is heat sealed on three sides. The fourth side of the plastic is not sealed to form the mouth of the pouch into which medical instruments are then sealed by application of an adhesive strip that is folded and pressed into place. The instrument is then sterilized by application of steam or ethylene oxide. The paper face of the pouch is printed with symbols which turn an appropriate color to indicate the completion of the sterilization process. The pouch measures 11-1/4” x 5-1/4” in the open ready-to-use condition. Sample 2 is a representative sample, a short piece cut, of a sterilization roll (flat) which is an approximately 2-7/8” wide sleeve, open at both ends and made of the same materials as Sample 1. It is presumed that the imported product will be a continuous roll, used either to make pouches like item 1, or to be cut to required lengths directly by end users who want to make their own sterilization sleeves. The applicable subheading for the sterilization pouch will be 4819.50.4060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other (than certain specified) packing containers, of paper. The rate of duty will be Free. The applicable subheading for the sterilization roll (flat) will be 4823.90.8600, (HTSUS), which provides for other (non-enumerated) articles of paper or paperboard. The rate of duty will be Free. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 Patricia Wilson at (646) 733-3037. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division