Customs Proposes to Revoke Ruling Relating to Flock Fiber

In a September 29, 2006, Binding Ruling Letter (NY R04929) addressed to Marubeni America Corporation of New York, New York, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") determined that certain Japanese origin polyvinyl alcohol fibers chopped into lengths not exceeding 5 mm were classified at 5503.90.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS"), which provides for synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, with a rate of duty of 4.3%. CBP now proposes to revoke that ruling. While Chapter 55 generally provides for man made staple fibers, textile fibers of 5mm or less are classified in heading 5601, HTSUS, pursuant to the text of heading 5601, HTSUS, and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 55. The proposed new classification is 5601.30.00, "Textile flock and dust and mill neps ..." The rate of duty is zero. Comments must be received on or before June 5, 2015.