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July 8, 1999

CLA-2-90:RR:NC:MM:105 E82025

CATEGORY: CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO.: 9021.19.8500

Mr. Christopher T. Wyffels
Ergodyne Corporation
1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite One
Saint Paul, MN 55108

RE: The tariff classification of Wrist Supports from China and Taiwan

Dear Mr. Wyffels:

In your letter, dated May 24, 1999, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

This ruling addresses only the sample Proflex 4010 Wrist support. The Wrist and Knee Sleeves are being answered in a separate letter from us. Customs Headquarters will reply directly to you concerning the Back Supports. We cannot answer your hypothetical question concerning the classification effect of the addition of non-elastic components to elastic support devices. You would need to request a classification ruling on specific sample(s) with specific non-elastic components before we could answer.

The Wrist support is mostly elastic, but it has a stitched on stiffener, about 5 inches long by 2 inches wide, which will support the entire underside of the wrist. It has two, wide, velcro-like closures and a mostly non-elastic, thin strap which goes over the crook of the thumb. The left and right hand models are different and are sold separately.

Your flyer states that it will “limit both upward and downward movements of the wrist.” From our trying it on, we find that it just about immobilizes the wrist, especially from downward movement. Although the stiffener is not rigid, it bends downward very little, if at all, when a normal weight for the wrist is applied. Per your flyer, they are “practical, effective tools to reduce the risk of painful tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist injuries associated with repetitive wrist bending.” Severe tendinitis and carpal tunnel cases can produce noticeable distortions in the way the wrist is normally carried. Especially due to the excellent support given for downward motion, someone who had seriously injured one of his/her wrists could readily use this item as protection in everyday life.

The applicable subheading for this item will be 9021.19.8500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for “other” orthopedic or fracture appliances. The general rate of duty will be free.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

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. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist James Sheridan at 212-637-7037.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity

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