The tariff classification of baskets made of recycled newspaper strips from the Philippines

N041337 November 5, 2008 CLA-2-46:OT:RR:NC:2:230 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4602.90.0000 Mr. Troy D. Crago Atico International USA, Inc. 501 South Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 RE: The tariff classification of baskets made of recycled newspaper strips from the Philippines Dear Mr. Crago: In your letter dated October 7, 2008 you requested a tariff classification ruling. The ruling was requested on a set of three nested baskets, item # A029FA00552. A sample of one of the baskets was submitted, which will be returned to you as you requested. The sample is a rectangular bin with wooden handles, measuring approximately 13” long x 9” wide x 9” high. It is constructed of folded strips of recycled printed newspaper and rattan rods, interwoven together and reinforced by a wire frame. The rattan rods run horizontally and are spaced 1” apart. The newspaper strips are interwoven vertically with the rattan and fill in all the spaces. The essential character of the basket is imparted by the newspaper strips, which make up 80 percent of the basket. The sample is the smallest basket of the set. The medium basket measures 16” x 11” x 10” and the large basket measures 19.5” x 14” x 12”. The applicable subheading for the set of three nested baskets, item # A029FA00552, will be 4602.90.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for: Basketwork, wickerwork and other articles, made directly to shape from plaiting materials or made up from articles of heading 4601: Other (than of vegetable materials). The rate of duty will be 3.5 percent ad valorem. 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/. Articles classifiable under subheading 4602.90.0000, HTSUS, which are products of the Philippines may be entitled to duty free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) upon compliance with all applicable regulations. The GSP is subject to modification and periodic suspension, which may affect the status of your transaction at the time of entry for consumption or withdrawal from warehouse. To obtain current information on GSP, check our Web site at www.cbp.gov and search for the term “GSP”. 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 Paul Garretto at (646) 733-3035. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division