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NY E87822





November 2, 1999

CLA2-RR:NC:TA:360 E 87822

Mr. John B. Pellegrini
Ross & Hardies
Park Avenue Tower
65 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022-3219

RE: Country of origin determination for women’s woven blouses; 19 CFR 102.21(c)(2); tariff shift

Dear Mr. Pellegrini:

This is in reply to your letter dated September 27, 1999, on behalf of Explore Sourcing, Inc., requesting a classification and country of origin determination for women’s woven blouses, which will be imported into the United States.

FACTS:

The subject merchandise consists of women’s woven blouses of various fiber compositions. The garments contain no features that would exclude them from heading 6206, Harmonized Tariff Schedules of the United States (HTS).

The manufacturing operations for the blouses are as follows:

· Fabrics of various origins are imported into China.

· In China, fabric is cut into component parts; the front panels and/or collar are embroidered as required, and the components are exported to Sri Lanka.

· In Sri Lanka, the component parts are fully assembled into finished blouses:

(a) Collar (if any) assembled;
(b) Cuffs assembled;
(c) Yoke attached to form back panel;
(d) Placket is created on the front panel; (e) Chest pockets (if any) and button holes are inserted; (f) Sleeve panels are sewn together on a single seam and sleeve vent closed; (g) Front and back panels are joined at the shoulder; (h) Second sleeve seam sewn to close sleeves; (i) Elastic cuffs assembled and attached to sleeves; (j) Sleeves attached to body;
(k) Side seams closed; and,
(l) Collar (if any) and cuffs are attached.

ISSUE:

What is the country of origin of the subject merchandise?

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - LAW AND ANALYSIS:

On December 8, 1994, the President signed into law the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Section 334 of that Act (codified at 19 U.S.C. 3592) provides new rules of origin for textiles and apparel entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, on and after July 1, 1996. On September 5, 1995, Customs published Section 102.21, Customs Regulations, in the Federal Register, implementing Section 334 (60 FR 46188). Thus, effective July 1, 1996, the country of origin of a textile or apparel product shall be determined by sequential application of the general rules set forth in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of Section 102.21.

Paragraph (c)(1) states that "The country of origin of a textile or apparel product is the single country, territory, or insular possession in which the good was wholly obtained or produced." As the subject merchandise is not wholly obtained or produced in a single country, territory or insular possession, paragraph (c)(1) of Section 102.21 is inapplicable.

Paragraph (c)(2) states that "Where the country of origin of a textile or apparel product cannot be determined under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the country of origin of the good is the single country, territory, or insular possession in which each of the foreign materials incorporated in that good underwent an applicable change in tariff classification, and/or met any other requirement, specified for the good in paragraph (e) of this section:"

Paragraph (e) in pertinent part states that "The following rules shall apply for purposes of determining the country of origin of a textile or apparel product under paragraph (c)(2) of this section":

HTSUS Tariff shift and/or other requirements

6201-6208 If the good consists of two or more component parts, a change to an assembled good of 6201 through 6208 from unassembled components, provided that the change is the result of the good being wholly assembled in a single country, territory or insular possession.

As the garments are assembled in a single country, that is, Sri Lanka, as per the terms of the tariff shift requirement, country of origin is conferred in Sri Lanka.

HOLDING:

The country of origin of the blouse is Sri Lanka. Based upon international textile trade agreements products of Sri Lanka are subject to quota and the requirement of a visa.

The designated textile and apparel categories and their quota and visa status are the result of international agreements that are subject to frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current information, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the U.S. Customs Service Textile Status Report, an internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available at the Customs Web Site at WWW.CUSTOMS.USTREAS.GOV. In addition, 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 and should also be verified at the time of shipment.

The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in section 19 CFR 177.9(b)(1). This sections states that a ruling letter, either directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). Should it be subsequently determined that the information furnished is not complete and does not comply with 19 CFR 177.9(b)(1), the ruling will be subject to modification or revocation. In the event there is a change in the facts previously furnished, this may affect the determination of country of origin. Accordingly, if there is any change in the facts submitted to Customs, it is recommended that a new ruling request be submitted in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.

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 Patricia Schiazzano at 212-637-7080.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,

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