HQ 083656: Classification of gloves

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 083656

                                    June 6, 1989



          CLA-2:CO:R:C:G  083656  SR

          CATEGORY:  Classification

          TARIFF NO.:  4203.29.3020

          Mr. Bruce Weinberg
          Swany, USA Corporation
          350 Fifth Avenue,
          Suite 1221
          New York, N.Y. 10118

          RE:  Classification of gloves

          Dear Mr. Weinberg:

               This is in reference to your letter dated February 6, 1989,
          requesting the tariff classification of a pigsuede glove under
          the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated
          (HTSUSA).  A sample produced in Japan was submitted.

          FACTS:

               The merchandise at issue is a glove.  The palm side of the
          glove is constructed of pigsuede leather.  The back of the glove
          is made of a man-made fabric.  The glove has a foam cotton
          lining.

          ISSUE:

               What is the classification of a pigsuede glove under the
          HTSUSA?

          LAW AND ANALYSIS:

               Classification of goods under the HTSUSA is governed by the
          General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), taken in order.  The glove
          at issue is made up of leather and textile material.  Under GRI 3
          (b) the material that imparts the essential character of the















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          glove must be determined.  The glove is worn when playing golf to
          provide the player with a better grip on the golf club.  It is
          the leather palm of the glove that fulfills that role.  The nylon
          back of the glove merely keeps the golfer's hand cooler when
          wearing the leather grip.  It is the leather palm that imparts
          the essential character of the glove.

               Subheading 4203.21.80, HTSUSA, provides for articles of
          apparel of leather, gloves, specially designed for use in sports,
          other.  Subheading 6216.00.38, HTSUSA, provides for other textile
          gloves, not knitted or crocheted.  Because the essential
          character of the gloves at issue is imparted by the leather.  GRI
          3(b) requires that the gloves be classified under subheading
          4203.21.80, HTSUSA.

          HOLDING:

               The merchandise at issue is classifiable under subheading
          4203.21.8030, HTSUSA, as leather gloves specially designed for
          use in sports, other, golf gloves.  The rate of duty is 4.9
          percent per dozen.  This merchandise is not subject to visa
          requirements or quota.

                                       Sincerely,



                                       John Durant, Director
                                       Commercial Rulings Division