PD C82047

December 9, 1997

CLA-2-42 SE:C:D G02 C82047

CATEGORY: Classification

TARIFF NO.: 4202.22.8050, 4202.92.3020, 4202.92.3030

Ludene Murphree

The Gap, Inc.

345 Spear Street

San Francisco, California 94105

RE: The tariff classification of a handbag, a backpack, and a

tote bag with outer surfaces of nylon woven fabric from China

Dear Ms. Murphree:

In your letter dated November 22, 1997 you requested a

tariff classification ruling.

The items which The Gap, Incorporated intends to import are

a handbag, a backpack, and a tote bag having outer surfaces of a

nylon woven fabric. The handbag (style 371392) measures

approximately 12 x 4 x 10 1/2 inches and has a woven nylon self

fabric detachable shoulder strap (\"optional\"), two bamboo carry

handles attached to metal fittings, a center interior top

zippered compartment sandwiched between two open top interior

compartments, a zippered interior pocket, and a cotton fabric

lining. The backpack (style 371430) measures approximately 11 x 6

x 12 inches and has two adjustable textile webbing backpack

straps, a single bamboo carry handle attached to a metal fitting,

a zippered interior pocket, a cotton fabric lining, and a top

closure consisting of a woven nylon self fabric draw strap

threaded through grommets at the top of the bag and secured by a

slide clasp. The tote bag (style 371391) measures approximately

16 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 12 inches and has two bamboo carry handles

attached to metal fittings, a center interior top zippered

compartment sandwiched between two open top interior

compartments, a zippered interior pocket, and a cotton fabric

lining.

The applicable subheading for the handbag will be

4202.22.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

(HTS), which provides for handbags, with outer surface of textile

materials, other, other, other, of man-made fibers, other. The

rate of duty will be 19.3 percent ad valorem. The applicable

subheading for the backpack will be 4202.92.3020, Harmonized

Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for

travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface of textile

materials, other, other, of man-made fibers, backpacks. The duty

rate for this item will also be 19.3 percent ad valorem. The

applicable subheading for the tote bag will be 4202.92.3030,

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which

provides for travel, sports and similar bags, with outer surface

of textile materials, other , other, of man-made fibers, other.

Again for this item the rate of duty will be 19.3 percent ad

valorem.

Items 4202.22.8050, 4202.92.3020, and 4202.92.3030 fall

within textile category designation 670. Based upon

international textile trade agreements, products of China are

subject to quota and the requirement of a visa.

The designated textile and apparel categories may be

subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements

applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Part

categories are the result of international bilateral agreements

which are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To

obtain the most current information available, we suggest that

you check, close to the time of shipment, the Status Report on

Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an internal issuance of

the U.S. Customs Service, which is available for inspection at

your local Customs office.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177

of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). The samples are

being returned herewith in accordance with your request.

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.

Sincerely,

Artis M. Morgan, Jr.

Port Director Seattle

By: Nancy K. Johnson

Supervisory Import

Specialist