Artificial fur classification turns on imitation of furskin, not merely flocked textile fabric; reconsideration was required.

Artificial fur classification under the Customs Tariff depends on whether the imported fabric is an imitation of furskin, not merely a coated or flocked textile. Textile testing showed the goods were synthetic knitted fabrics with nylon flocks applied to a backing fabric by adhesive, which did not by itself establish artificial fur. Because the adjudicating record lacked a categorical finding on the essential furskin-imitation test and did not adequately address trade understanding or commercial description, the classification could not stand on the existing record and required de novo reconsideration.

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Issues: Whether the imported goods described as artificial fur lining were classifiable as artificial fur under Heading 43.04 of the Customs Tariff or as flocked fabrics under Heading 59.07, and whether the adjudication required fresh consideration.

Analysis: The goods were tested by textile research institutions and found to be synthetic knitted fabrics with nylon flocks applied to a backing fabric by adhesive. The governing tariff scheme distinguished natural furskins from artificial fur, and artificial fur was required to be an imitation of furskin, not merely a coated or flocked textile fabric. The record showed that the adjudicating order had not recorded a categorical finding on the essential question whether the goods actually imitated furskin, nor had it dealt adequately with trade understanding and the basis on which the goods were known in commerce. On that footing, the adjudication could not be sustained as it stood and the matter had to be reconsidered.

Conclusion: The goods were not accepted as artificial fur on the existing record, and the matter was sent back for de novo adjudication.

Ratio Decidendi: For classification as artificial fur, the essential test is whether the fabric is an imitation of furskin and not merely a flocked or coated textile; where that foundational finding is absent, the adjudication is liable to be set aside and reconsidered.

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