NY a86049: The tariff classification of a handbag from China.

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.

                          
                            NY A86049

                         August 27, 1996

CLA-2-46:RR:NC:GI:230 A86049  

CATEGORY:  Classification

TARIFF NO.: 4602.10.2500  

Ms. Rebecca Cheung
Federated Product Development
11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001

RE:  The tariff classification of a handbag from China.

Dear Ms. Cheung:

     In your letter dated August 5, 1996, you requested a tariff
classification ruling.         

     A sample identified as style 8418 was submitted and is being
returned to you as requested.  It is a lady's handbag having a
rigid body composed of interwoven rattan rods, all of which are
individually sheathed in clear plastic monofilaments (tubes).  The
rattan rods are each roughly 1.4 mm in cross-section diameter, and
the plastic tubes encasing them have a wall thickness of
approximately 0.28 mm.

     The body of the bag, which measures about 5 1/2" x 4" on top
and tapers down to about 2 1/2" x 4" at the base, is 5 1/2" high. 
It is lined with textile fabric and incorporates a zippered
interior pocket.  It also features a leather shoulder strap, a
flip-open lid and a drop-lock closure at the front.

     With regard to the essential character of this article, we
find that the rattan rods, as opposed to their plastic monofilament
coverings, provide the bag with its structural integrity and
appearance. 

     Accordingly, the applicable subheading for the style 8418
handbag will be 4602.10.2500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for luggage, handbags and
flatgoods of vegetable plaiting materials, whether or not lined: of
rattan or of palm leaf: other than articles of a kind normally
carried in the pocket or in the handbag.  The rate of duty will be
18%.




     We note that the sample is not marked with its country of
origin.  When imported into the United States, the goods will be
required to be so marked, legibly, in a conspicuous place, and in
a manner sufficiently permanent to reach the ultimate purchaser.

     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 (212)
466-5779.


                                   Sincerely,


                                   
  
                                   Roger J. Silvestri
                                   Director
                                   National Commodity
                                   Specialist Division