CLA-2 OT:RR:CTF:TCM H127977 EG
Linda Rothfield
Import Compliance Specialist
Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
P.O. Box 961020
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0020
RE: Reconsideration of NY N107043; Classification of Two Halloween-Themed Photograph Holders
Dear Ms. Rothfield:
This letter is in response to your request of September 14, 2010, in which you request reconsideration of New York Ruling Letter (NY) N107043, dated June 15, 2010. In NY N107043, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) responded to your request for a tariff classification ruling of two Halloween photograph holders under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In NY N107043, CBP classified the subject merchandise in heading 4420, HTSUS, which provides for statuettes and other ornaments of wood.
In your request for reconsideration, you assert that the correct classification for the subject merchandise is under heading 9505, HTSUS, as festive articles. You provided our office with samples of the two photo holders which we are returning to you with this letter.
FACTS:
The merchandise at issue consists of two Halloween-themed photograph holders. The first photo holder is SKU# 2462987 which consists of the word “Halloween” spelled out across three connected wood panels (“Halloween” photo holder). Each wood panel is painted orange and measures approximately 9” x 0.25” x 3”. Each panel has three of the sequential nine letters of “Halloween” painted in black across it. Attached to the top of the “HAL” panel is a wooden panel shaped and painted like a black cat’s face. Attached to the top of the “LOW” panel are a wooden ghost face and a wooden candy corn. Attached to the top of the “EEN” panel is a wooden pumpkin. Each of these Halloween figures is attached to its panel by a spring-shaped wire. Attached to the back of each Halloween figure is a coiled wire designed to hold photographs.
The second photo holder is SKU# 2463728 (“Boo” photo holder). It consists of three block wooden letters glued together to spell the word “Boo.” The letter “B” is painted black and measures 3.5” x 1” x 6”. The two letter “o’s” are painted orange and measure 3” x 1” x 5”. Glued to the top of the letter “B” is a wooden jack o’lantern wearing a black top hat. Glued to the top of the first letter “o” is a wooden ghost. Attached to the backs of the ghost and the jack o’lantern are coiled wires to hold photographs.
You have stated that these photo holders are sold as part of the Pier 1 Halloween assortment. Although these photo holders are no longer listed on the Pier 1 website, the website advertisement was included with your original ruling request. The advertisement states that “This Halloween photo holder is perfect for proudly displaying your favorite Halloween memories.”
ISSUE:
Are the photo holders classified in heading 4420, HTSUS, as statuettes of wood or in heading 9505, as festive articles?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of goods under the HTSUS is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). GRI 1 provides that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and any relative section or chapter notes. In the event that the goods cannot be classified solely on the basis of GRI 1, and if the headings and legal notes do not otherwise require, the remaining GRIs may then be applied.
The following HTSUS provisions are at issue:
4420 Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; casket and cases for jewelry or cutlery and similar articles, of wood; statuettes and other ornaments, of wood; wooden articles of furniture not falling within chapter 94 …
* * *
9505 Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, including magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof …
* * *
Chapter Note 1(p) to Chapter 44, HTSUS, provides in relevant part:
1. This chapter does not cover:
(p) Articles of Chapter 95 (for example, toys, games, sports equipment)
* * *
Chapter Note 1(v) to Chapter 95, HTSUS, provides in relevant part:
1. This chapter does not cover:
(v) Tableware, kitchenware, toilet articles, carpets and other textile floor coverings, apparel, bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, kitchen linen and similar articles having a utilitarian function (classified according to their constituent material).
* * *
First, we must determine if the photo holders are classified in heading 9505, HTSUS, as festive articles. Under Note 1(p) to Chapter 44, articles of Chapter 95 are precluded from classification in Chapter 44. Therefore, if the photo holders are classified in heading 9505, HTSUS, as festive articles they cannot be classified in heading 4420, HTSUS, as statuettes of wood.
In Midwest of Cannon Falls, Inc. v. United States, (Midwest) 122 F.3d 1423, 1429 (Fed. Cir. 1997), the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) held that classification as a “festive article” under Chapter 95 requires that the article satisfy two criteria: (1) it must be closely associated with a festive occasion and (2) the article must be used or displayed principally during that festive occasion. Additionally, the items must be “closely associated with a festive occasion” to the degree that “the physical appearance of an article is so intrinsically linked to a festive occasion that its use during other time periods would be aberrant.” Michael Simon Design, Inc. v. United States, (Michael Simon) 452 F. Supp 2d. 1316, 1323 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2006) (citing Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, (25 Ct. Int’l Trade 506, 509 (2001)).
In Midwest, the CAFC analyzed earthenware jack o’lantern mugs and pitchers and determined that the jack o’lantern is a symbol closely associated with Halloween. 122 F. 3d at 1429. The CAFC also stated that such decorative mugs and pitchers were used to replace the consumer’s standard household mugs and pitchers only during Halloween. Id. 1429. Based upon this information, the CAFC determined that the
jack o’lantern mugs and pitchers were of the same class or kind as other festive Halloween articles. As such, the CAFC held that the earthenware jack o’lantern mugs and pitchers were prima facie classifiable as festive articles under heading 9505, HTSUS. Id.
While the subject photo holders contain motifs typical of Halloween, they remain photo holders likely used to display photos taken at Halloween but displayed at any time. Unlike the jack o’lantern mugs and pitchers in Midwest, these photo holders likely do not replace other photo holders or picture frames. The website advertisement states that these photo holders are for Halloween memories. Thus, displaying photos year-round with the Halloween photo holders is not an aberrant use. Michael Simon at 1323. These photo holders do not belong to the same class or kind as other festive Halloween articles.
Even if the photo holders are described by the term “festive” in heading 9505, HTSUS, Presidential Proclamation No. 8097, 72 Fed. Reg. 453 (Jan. 4, 2007), added Note 1(v) to Chapter 95. Note 1(v) precludes “tableware, kitchenware . . . and similar articles having a utilitarian function” from Chapter 95. Prior to the addition of Note 1(v), the courts consistently rejected the argument that utilitarian articles were precluded from classification as festive articles under heading 9505, HTSUS. Midwest, 122 F. 3d at 1429, Park B. Smith v. United States, 347 F. 3d 922, 927-928 (Fed. Cir. 2003). The addition of Note 1(v) now precludes certain utilitarian articles from classification under heading 9505, HTSUS.
The term “utilitarian” is not defined in the HTSUS. When, as in this case, the tariff terms are not defined in the HTSUS or its legislative history, “the term’s correct meaning is its common meaning.” Mita Copystar Am. v. United States, 21 F.3d 1079, 1082 (Fed. Cir. 1994). The common meaning of a term used in commerce is presumed to be the same as its commercial meaning. Simod Am. Corp. v. United States, 872 F. 2d 1572, 1576 (Fed. Cir. 1989). To ascertain the common meaning of a term, a court may consult “dictionaries, scientific authorities, and other reliable information sources” and “lexicographic and other materials.” C.J. Tower & Sons v. United States, 673 F.2d 1268, 1271 (CCPA 1982); Simod, 872 F.2d at 1576.
In Webster’s New World Dictionary, the term “utility” is defined as “the quality or property of being useful; usefulness.” For instance, in Midwest, CBP argued that
jack o’lantern mugs and pitchers were utilitarian articles because they served to store liquids and enable consumers to drink liquids. 122 F. 3d at 1429. In Park B. Smith, CBP argued that articles such as placemats, table napkins and woven rugs were utilitarian articles because they served as protective coverings. 347 F. 3d 922, 927-928. Therefore, a utilitarian article is not a purely decorative article; a utilitarian article serves some useful purpose.
CBP has since determined that photo holders are in a class of utilitarian articles because they have the useful property of securing and displaying photographs. NY N061419, dated May 29, 2009 (Christmas tree photo holders are utilitarian articles precluded from classification in Chapter 95) and NY N015490, dated August 16, 2007 (Snowflake photo holders are utilitarian articles precluded from classification in Chapter 95). Indeed, Pier 1 advertises the items as “perfect for proudly displaying your favorite Halloween memories.” Therefore, even if the subject Halloween-themed photo holders are festive articles of heading 9505, HTSUS, they are precluded from classification in Chapter 95 because they are utilitarian articles.
Because the subject merchandise is precluded from classification in Chapter 95, the photo holders are not precluded from classification in Chapter 44. The two Halloween-themed photo holders are classified as statuettes of wood under heading 4420, HTSUS.
HOLDING:
By application of GRI 1 (Note 1(v) to Chapter 95), SKU# 2462987 (“Halloween” Photo Holder) and SKU# 2463728 (“Boo” Photo Holder) are classified in subheading 4420.10.00, HTSUS, which provides, in pertinent part for “[S]tatuettes and other ornaments, of wood …: Statuettes and other ornaments, of wood …” The column one, general rate of duty is 3.2% ad valorem.
Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on the Internet at www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.
EFFECT ON OTHER RULINGS: NY N107043, dated June 15, 2010, is hereby affirmed.
Sincerely,
Myles B. Harmon, Director Commercial and Trade Facilitation Division