The tariff classification of veneered flooring panels from China

N266815 August 19, 2015 CLA-2-44:OT:RR:NC:2:230 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4412.99.5105 Mr. Robert D. Stang Husch Blackwell LLP 750 17th Street, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20006 RE: The tariff classification of veneered flooring panels from China Dear Mr. Stang: In your letter dated July 17, 2015, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Zhejiang Fuma Warm Technology Co., Ltd. The ruling was requested on veneered flooring panels. Two representative samples, identified as “Model 2ply.01.WO” and “Model 2ply.02.Acacia”, were submitted for our review. The samples will be retained for future reference. The sample labeled “Model 2ply.01.WO” is a wood flooring panel measuring approximately 189mm (w) x 11.7mm in thickness. The panel is constructed of 1.7mm-thick wood veneer of European white oak laminated onto a 10mm-thick layer of China Fir wood strips. The wood strips are finger-jointed. The edges are tonged and grooved. The flooring panels are imported in lengths of 1900mm. The sample labeled “Model 2ply.02.Acacia” is a wood flooring panel measuring approximately 189mm (w) x 11.5mm in thickness. The panel is constructed of 1.5mm-thick wood veneer of Acacia laminated onto a 10mm-thick layer of China Fir wood strips. The wood strips are finger-jointed. The edges are tonged and grooved. The flooring panels are imported in lengths of 1900mm. The panels meet the definition of a “veneered panel” as set forth in the Explanatory Notes (ENs) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for heading 4412: “Veneered panels…are panels consisting of a thin veneer of wood affixed to a base, usually of inferior wood, by gluing under pressure.” Therefore, in accordance with General Rule of Interpretation 1, the product will be classified in heading 4412, which specifically provides for veneered panels. The applicable subheading for the veneered flooring panels will be 4412.99.5105, HTSUS, which provides for Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood: Other (than plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood under 6 mm in thickness): Other (than blockboard, laminboard and battenboard): With at least one outer ply of nonconiferous wood: Other (than with at least one layer of particle board): Other (than plywood). 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 Laurel Duvall at laurel.duvall@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, Gwenn Klein Kirschner Director National Commodity Specialist Division