HQ 958350: Country of origin of thermal, soft-sided cooler; 19 CFR 12.130; material cut in Taiwan;assembly of pre-cut components in China; mere assembly is not substantial transformation; HRL951899 (10/31/92); 954225 (8/30/93); 956634 (9/29/94).

Native CBP ruling rendition. Applicability is fact-specific; modification/revocation relationships and original publisher date are retained. Publisher sentinel year0001 means unknown date, not a historical legal adoption.

                            HQ 958350
                         August 25, 1995
CLA-2 CO:R:C:T 958350 SK

CATEGORY: Classification

Melvin S. Mogil
California Innovations Inc.
4211 Yonge Street, suite 610
Willowdale, Ontario
Canada M2P 2A9

RE: Country of origin of thermal, soft-sided cooler; 19 CFR 12.130; material cut in Taiwan;
assembly of pre-cut components in China; mere assembly is not substantial transformation; HRL
951899 (10/31/92); 954225 (8/30/93); 956634 (9/29/94).

Dear Mr. Mogil:

     This is in response to your letter of August 22, 1995, requesting a country of origin
determination for the "THERMALWHIZ 12 " soft-sided cooler.  A sample of the finished article
was submitted to this office. 

FACTS:
  
     The subject article is marketed as the "THERMALWHIZ 12" cooler.  It measures
approximately 9-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches by 6 inches.  The exterior surface of the cooler is
covered with a woven fabric.  The cooler features a zipper closure which extends across three
sides of the top flap and an adjustable woven strap for easy portability.  The outer front surface of
the cooler features a mesh net pocket.  The inside of the cooler is lined with plastic.

     The materials for the "THERMALWHIZ 12" soft-sided cooler are sourced and cut into
component parts in Taiwan and assembled in China.  The specific operations are as follows:





                              - 2 -

                    MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS:

1) The raw materials are cut into cooler components in Taiwan;

2) The pre-cut components are assembled into the completed cooler in China;  

                              COSTS:

1) Approximately 85% of the total per unit cost (for both labor and materials) of the cooler is
incurred in Taiwan ;

2) Approximatley 15% of the total per unit cost (for both labor and materials) of the cooler is
incurred in China.

ISSUE:

     What is the country of origin of the "THERMALWHIZ 12" soft-sided cooler?
 
LAW AND ANALYSIS:

     Section 12.130(b) of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 12.130(b)) provides that textile
products that are processed in more than one country or territory shall be products of that country
or territory where they last underwent a substantial transformation.  Your attention is directed
to Section 12.130(e)(v) of the Customs Regulations which states that an article will usually have
undergone a substantial transformation (change in country of origin) if it has undergone a
substantial assembly of all cut pieces into a completed article.

     Customs has long held that the mere assembly of goods, entailing simple combining
operations, trimming or joining together by sewing, is not enough to substantially transform the
components of an article into a new and different article of commerce.  See Headquarters Ruling
Letter (HRL) 082747, dated February 23, 1989, in which Customs determined that the assembly
of jeans was not a substantial transformation and HRL 082787, dated March 9, 1989, which
reached a similar conclusion with regard to a jogging suit.  

     In the instant case, the assembly process in China involving the sewing together of
components cut from fabric in Taiwan does not involve sufficient skill or 
complexity to constitute a substantial assembly as defined by the regulations set forth 
                              - 3 -

supra.  See HRL 951899, dated October 31, 1992, in which Customs issued a country of origin
determination for soft-sided luggage manufactured in a similar manner.  See also HRL 956634,
issued to you on September 29, 1994.

     Pursuant to 19 CFR 12.130(d)(2)(v), the "value added" to an article is another factor
which aids in determining country of origin. The greatest costs in producing the cooler are
incurred in Taiwan as that is where most of the raw materials are sourced and where the material
is cut into component parts.  

     The country of origin of the "THERMALWHIZ 12" cooler is Taiwan as that is the
country where the article last undergoes a substantial transformation.  It is in Taiwan that the
fabric undergoes a substantial manufacturing process (cutting) which transforms the fabric into a
new and different article of commerce (cooler components).  Taiwan is also where the greatest
value is added to the subject merchandise.  

HOLDING:

     The country of origin of the "THERMALWHIZ 12" soft-sided cooler is Taiwan. 

     The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise
identified in the ruling request.  This position is clearly set forth in section 177.9(b)(1), Customs
Regulations (19 CFR 177.9(b)(1).  This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the
assumption that all the information furnished in connection with the ruling request and
incorporated in the ruling letter, either directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and
complete in every material respect.  Should it subsequently be determined that the information
furnished is not complete and does not comply with 19 CFR 177.9(b)(1), the ruling will be subject
to modification or revocation.  In the event there is a change in the facts previously furnished, this
may affect the determination of country of origin.  Accordingly, it is recommended that a new
ruling request be submitted in accordance with section 177.2, Customs Regulations (19 CFR
177.2).

                                   Sincerely,

     
                                   John Durant, Director
                                   Commercial Rulings Division