## HQ 963884

March 1, 2002

CLA-2 RR:CR:TE 963884 TF

**CATEGORY**: Classification

**TARIFF NO**.: 9615.19.2000; 9615.19.4000

Ms. Quncie Akins,

Circle International, Inc.

4711 LeBourget Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63134

RE: Classification of bridal headpieces; Combs, hair-slides and the
like; Heading 9615, HTSUSA

Dear Ms. Akins:

This is in response to your request on behalf of your client, Bridal
Original, dated March 12, 1998, concerning the classification of five
styles of bridal headpieces under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States Annotated (HTSUSA). Although you listed five style
numbers, two samples are classified in HQ 963881. The remaining three
samples are classified in this ruling.

FACTS:

The submitted merchandise consists of three styles of hair ornaments
that are made in China. You describe the samples as "bridal headpieces."
Bridal headpieces are highly decorative hair ornaments typically worn on
top of the head by brides. After the bridal headpieces are imported into
the United States, veils are often attached to form bridal veils.
However, in their imported condition, the headpieces are not dedicated
for use with a veil.

Style H853IV is a decorative hair ornament consisting of a clear-colored
hair comb that is attached to textile fabric. Also attached to the comb
is a bundle of paper-covered wires. From this bundle stems a cascade of
textile flowers that contain simulated pearls and beaded pearls. Three
strips of textile fabric which measures approximately nineteen inches
extend down the back of the comb along with three strands of clear
filament yarn with simulated pearls along their length.

Style H858 is a decorative hair ornament consisting of a clear-colored
hair comb that is attached to textile fabric. Also attached to the comb
is a bundle of paper-covered wires that hold textile flowers with glued,
simulated pearl beads.

Style H885 is a circular headpiece. The base is made of a textile
covered wire band. The base is covered with textile fabric that is
braided with strands composed of simulated pearl and iridescent beads.
The article is also embellished with textile leaves, flowers and
simulated pearls that are attached to paper covered wire. The interior
of the headpiece features loops on both sides to hold small combs that
are used to secure the headpiece to the head.

ISSUE:

What is the proper classification of the bridal headpieces under the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA)?

LAW AND ANALYSIS:

The classification of substantially similar merchandise was addressed in
HQ 963482, dated December 28, 2001. In that ruling, it was determined
that bridal headpieces were properly classifiable in subheading 9615.19,
HTSUSA, which provides for "Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins,
curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those
of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Combs hair-slides and the like."

However, unlike the articles in HQ 963482, which were circular
headpieces, some of instant articles (styles H853IV and H858), are
clear-colored hair combs. Hair combs are provided in subheading
9615.19.2000 and 9615.19.4000, HTSUSA. Combs that are valued less than
\$4.50 per gross are classified in subheading 9615.19.2000, HTSUSA,
dutiable at 9.7 cent/gross +1.3%. Combs valued greater than \$4.50 per
gross are classified in subheading 9615.19.4000, HTSUSA, dutiable at
28.8 cent/gross + 4.6%. Concerning the circular headpiece (Style H885),
it is classified in subheading 9615.19.6000, HTSUS, dutiable at 11
percent *ad valorem*.

Attached you will find the above-cited ruling letter for your reference.
As the subject merchandise is substantially similar to the merchandise
addressed in the aforementioned ruling, the subject merchandise should
be classified accordingly in subheading 9615.19, HTSUSA.

HOLDING:

The bridal headpiece styles H853IV and H858 are classifiable under
subheading 9615.19.2000 and 9615.19.4000, HTSUSA. As we do not have
information related to the value of the combs, we are providing you with
both subheadings which may be applicable for classification of the hair
combs. Subheading 9615.19.2000, HTSUSA, provides for "Combs, hair-slides
and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and
the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Combs
hair-slides and the like: Other: Combs: Valued not over \$4.50 per
gross." The general column one duty rate is 9.7 cent/gross +1.3% *ad
valorem.* Subheading 9615.19.4000, HTSUSA, provides for "Combs,
hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips,
hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts
thereof: Combs hair-slides and the like: Other: Combs: Valued over
\$4.50 per gross." The general column one duty rate is at 28.8
cent/gross + 4.6% *ad valorem.*

The circular headpiece (Style H885) is classifiable under subheading
9615.19.6000, HTSUSA, which provides for "Combs, hair-slides and the
like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like,
other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Combs hair-slides
and the like: Other: Other." The general column one duty rate is eleven
percent *ad valorem.*

> Sincerely,
>
> John Durant, Director
>
> Commercial Rulings Division