HQ 081856: Tariff classification of a pin book

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 081856

                                    July 1, 1988

          CLA-2 CO:R:C:G  081856  CMR

          CATEGORY:  Classification

          TARIFF NO.:  4202.12.4000

          Mr. Tim Snyder
          Black Jack Traders
          1115 Kodiak Street
          Fairbanks, Alaska  99709

          RE:  Tariff classification of a pin book

          Dear Mr. Snyder:

              This ruling is in response to your letter of February 24,
          1988, requesting a tariff classification for a pin book.

          FACTS:

              The submitted sample, a pin book, is portfolio style having a
          three-sided nylon zipper closure.  The interior has four quilted
          pouches with velcro closures.  Three page-like corduroy fabric
          inserts separate the quilted pouches.  The interior is lined with
          the same quilted fabric used to make the pouches.  When closed,
          the book measures nine inches by eleven inches.  It is made of
          100 percent cotton fabrics and is a product of Korea.  It is
          designed to hold pins such as hockey pins and other collector
          items.

          ISSUE:

              Whether the submitted sample, a pin book, is properly
          classifiable as luggage in item 706.3650, Tariff Schedules of the
          United States Annotated (TSUSA).

          LAW AND ANALYSIS:

              The pin book falls within the definition of luggage provided
          in Subpart D, Part 1, Schedule 7, TSUSA.  That definition
          provides in pertinent part:

              (a) the term "luggage" covers --

                  (ii) brief cases, portfolios, school bags, photographic
              equipment bags, golf bags, camera cases, binocular














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                       cases, gun cases, occupational luggage cases
                       (physicians', sample, etc.), and like containers and
                       cases designed to be carried with the person, except
                       handbags as defined herein; . . . .

              The pin book is akin to a sample case.  Sample cases are
          designed for the convenience of the salesman by providing a
          portable container made to hold his particular samples.  The pin
          book is designed to hold pins of the type gathered by collectors,
          and is the type of container meant to be carried with the person.
          It is, therefore, similar to a sample case, and fits within the
          above definition as a "like container."

          HOLDING:

              The pin book is classifiable in the provision for luggage and
          handbags, . . ., of textile materials . . . whether or not
          ornamented, other, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or tufted
          construction, of cotton, luggage, in item 706.3650, TSUSA.  The
          rate of duty is 7.2 percent ad valorem.

              Under the proposed Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
          States Annotated (HTSUSA), the pin book is classifiable in the
          provision for trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases,
          briefcases, school satchels and similar containers, with outer
          surface of plastics or of textile materials, with outer surface
          of textile materials, of vegetable fibers and not of pile or
          tufted construction, of cotton, in subheading 4202.12.4000,
          HTSUSA.  The rate of duty is 7.2 percent ad valorem.

              The pin book falls within textile category 369 in both the
          TSUSA and HTSUSA classifications.  As a product of Korea, the pin
          book is subject to quota/visa restraints based upon international
          textile trade agreements.

              This classification represents the present position of the
          Customs Service under the proposed HTSUSA.  If changes occur
          before enactment, this advice may not continue to be applicable.


                                          Sincerely,



                                          John Durant, Director
                                          Commercial Rulings Division















          6cc: Area Director, New York Seaport
          1cc: CITA
          1cc: NIS Kevin Gorman