HQ 952110: Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrosulfite and sodium metabisulfite mixture; inorganic compounds; hydrosulfite compounds; mixtures

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 952110

                        September 8, 1992

CLA-2 CO:R:C:F 952110 EAB

CATEGORY: Classification

TARIFF NO.: 3823.90.3200

Robert L. Brockett, General Manager
Dominion Atlantic Technologies Inc.
P.O. Box 1025
Cornwall, Ontario K6H 5V1

Re:  Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrosulfite and sodium
     metabisulfite mixture; inorganic compounds;
     hydrosulfite compounds; mixtures

Dear Mr. Brockett:

     This is in reply to your written request dated June 15,
1992, for a binding ruling on the classification under the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated
(HTSUSA) of a product that is a mixture of inorganic compounds.

FACTS:

     The product consists of a mixture of 40 percent by weight of
sodium chloride and 30 percent each by weight of sodium
hydrosulfite and sodium metabisulfite.  It is to be imported from
Canada in one-ton fiber bags.

ISSUE:

     What is the proper classification of a mixture in chief
weight of hydrosulfites?

LAW AND ANALYSIS:

     Merchandise imported into the U.S. is classified under the
HTSUSA.  The tariff classification of merchandise under the
HTSUSA is governed by the principles set forth in the General
Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) and, in the absence of special
language or context which otherwise requires, by the Additional
U.S. Rules of Interpretation.

     GRI 1 requires that classification be determined first
according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and
any relative section or chapter notes and, unless otherwise
required, according to the remaining GRI's taken in order.

     We are of the opinion that the subject merchandise is
classifiable under heading 3823, which covers in part chemical
products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries,
including mixtures of natural products, not elsewhere specified
or included.

HOLDING:

     A mixture of 40 percent by weight of sodium chloride and 30
percent each by weight of sodium hydrosulfite and sodium
metabisulfite is classifiable under subheading 3823.90.3200,
HTSUSA, a provision for prepared binders for foundry molds or
cores; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or
allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of
natural products), not elsewhere specified or included; residual
products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere
specified or included; other; other; mixtures of two or more
inorganic compounds; of hydrosulfite compounds, of sulfoxylate
compounds, or of both.

     Entries of merchandise classified under this subheading are
dutiable at the column one general rate of 17.5 percent ad
valorem.  Products of Canada that qualify for special duty
treatment under the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement would be
subject to a rate of duty of 3.5 percent ad valorem.

                           Sincerely,



                           John Durant, Director
                           Commercial Rulings Division