The tariff classification of lint rollers from China

N197657 January 13, 2012 CLA-2-96:OT:RR:NC:N4:422 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9603.90.8050 Mr. Benjamin H. Shanbaum Katten Munchin Rosenman LLP 525 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60661-3693 RE: The tariff classification of lint rollers from China Dear Mr. Shanbaum: In your letter dated December 9, 2011, which was received on December 20, 2011, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The submitted sample is identified as a Schticky Three-Piece Lint Roller Set. It is comprised of three reusable cleaning rollers of different sizes. Each article consists of a roller that is coated with a 1 mm layer of styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) latex rubber. Each roller is attached to a frame that in turn, is attached to a handle that is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material. The SBS layer of each roller has an adhesive-like quality which allows it to pick up dust, dirt and other debris from hard surfaces and fabrics. When the roller is rinsed or submerged in soapy water, the SBS layer becomes slippery and allows for easy removal of the accumulated debris. After drying, the layer regains its adhesive qualities and can be reused. The three different sized articles of this item are further described as follows: The smallest article consists of a roller that is approximately 3” in length and slightly under 1” in diameter. The attached handle can fold so that the frame and the handle completely cover the roller, to protect the roller while traveling. This article is designed to be used in light cleaning applications. The medium sized article consists of a roller that is slightly under 4” in length and slightly over 2” in diameter. It has a plastic guard that slides onto the frame, to protect the roller during storage. This article is designed to be used in the home to remove lint and debris from garments and to clean localized areas. The large sized article consists of a roller that is approximately 7 ¾” in length and slightly under 2” in diameter. The frame screws onto an aluminum handle that telescopes from 21” to 35”. Attached to the frame of the roller is a brush with thermoplastic rubber bristles that is designed to loosen dirt or pet hairs from upholstery or drapes. This article is designed for larger-scale cleaning applications. You have suggested that this item is correctly classified in subheading 9603.90.8050 and we agree with your suggestion. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System Explanatory Notes (ENs) constitute the official interpretation of the Harmonized System at the international level. While not legally binding nor dispositive, the ENs provide a commentary on the scope of each heading of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and are generally indicative of the proper interpretation of these headings. EN 9603 (D) states that “Mops consist of a bundle of textile cords or vegetable fibres mounted on a handle. Certain other mops consists of a mop-head pad made of textile or other material fitted or attached to a frame or other base connected to the handle. They include dust mops, spray mops and sponge mops used in dry or wet applications for cleaning up stains or liquid spills, cleaning floors, washing dishes, etc.” The three articles of the Schticky Three-Piece Lint Roller Set meet the EN description of mops. The applicable subheading for the Schticky Three-Piece Lint Roller Set will be 9603.90.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for…mops…other: other…other. The rate of duty will be 2.8 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/. 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 Gary Kalus at (646) 733-3055. Sincerely, Thomas J. Russo Director National Commodity Specialist Division