CLA-2-95:RR:NC:SP:222 H88117
Ms. Sandy Kovalich
Paper Magic Group
401 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510
RE: The tariff classification of a Christmas tree ornament from China.
Dear Ms. Kovalich:
In your letter dated February 1, 2002, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The submitted sample is identified as item number 1004889. It is a box of 18-5 x 7 Christmas cards with leaf stamping, 18 coordinated envelopes and an iridescent glass Christmas tree ornament. The glass ornament is a snowman wearing a scarf and top hat. A string is attached to the top of his hat for the purpose of hanging the ornament on a Christmas tree. The glass ornament is placed in the cardboard box insert tray. Although the Christmas cards and the Christmas tree ornament are packaged together in a cardboard box and shrink-wrapped with clear plastic for retail sale, they are not a set for classification purposes.
The sample is returned as you requested.
The issue of the scope of the term “festive articles” under 9505 is currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the matter of Park B. Smith Ltd. V. United States, Court of Appeals No. 01-1578 (cross appeal # 01-1586). Section 177.7, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.7) provides that rulings will not be issued in certain circumstances. Section 177.7(b) states, in pertinent part, the following:
No ruling letter will be issued with respect to any issue which is pending before the United States Court of International Trade, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or any court of appeal therefrom.
In light of the prohibition set out in 19 CFR 177.7(b), and as the instant classification ruling request is closely related to the issue presently pending in the Court of Appeals, we are unable to issue a classification ruling letter to you with respect to item number 1004889, 18-5 x 7 Christmas cards.
The applicable subheading for the item number 1004889, glass Christmas tree ornament will be 9505.10.1000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for articles for articles for Christmas festivities and parts and accessories thereof: Christmas ornaments: Of glass. The 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 Alice Wong at 646-733-3026.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division