Tariff Classification Ruling Relating to Flocked Window Blind

In a October 7, 2015, U.S. Customs Binding Ruling Letter (N268631) to addressed to Marc A. Romano Apogee Customs & Trade Consulting, Inc. of Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14225, relating to the tariff classification of a woven polyester flock-printed laminated window blind fabric from China, filed on behave of Louver-Lite (Canada), Limited, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled on the tariff classification of an assortment of window blind sample swatches in various colors

The sample, identified as Trade Name Marakesh (Marrakech), is a bonded fabric consisting of a woven face fabric laminated to a woven backing fabric. The face is characterized by a flock-printed geometric pattern, reminiscent of Moorish tiles. The fabric has been laminated with a vinyl acetate adhesive multi-layer film. However, this film not visible to the naked eye. According to the submission, visual examination and information previously provided, the face fabric is of plain weave construction and is composed of wholly of non-textured polyester filament yarns, while the woven backing fabric is composed of 70% polyester and 30% cotton. The spec sheet indicates that the face fabric weighs 130 g/m2, with a total fabric weight of 330 g/m2. This fabric will be imported in widths of 205 centimeters.

The applicable subheading for Trade Name Marakesh (Marrakech) will be 5407.61.9965, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading 5404: other woven fabrics, containing 85 percent or more by weight of polyester filaments, containing 85 percent or more by weight of non-textured polyester filaments, other, other, printed, weighing not more than 170 g/m2, flat fabrics. The rate of duty will be 14.9 percent ad valorem.

Agathon Associates has been called on frequently to assist clients with the proper tariff classification of flock and flocked articles and has prepared with summary of the rules of tariff classification as they relate to flock. This information is available to clients of Agathon Associates, subscribers to Agathon Associates' Trade Advisor Service, and students in David Trumbull's TMD 433 course at the University of Rhode Island. You will need to enter your username and password. If you do not know your username and password email David Trumbull at david@agathonassociates.com.