CLA-2-71:S:N:N3G:344 865976
Mr. Rodrigo Vera
Westhem International Trading Company
4831 Hutchins Place, NW
Washington, DC 20007-1529
RE: The tariff classification of a copper/silver bracelet from
Peru.
Dear Mr. Vera:
In your letter of August 5, 1991, you asked for a tariff
classification ruling on a Peruvian handicraft article.
The sample sent with your letter is a 6 3/4" copper bangle
bracelet, 3/10" wide and 1/8" thick, with a thin sterling silver
Incan-motif soldered to the top of the bracelet.
The sterling silver motif is a minor constituent of the
total bracelet. The essential character of the bracelet is
derived from the copper by virtue of the weight and mass of the
copper in comparison to the significantly smaller size of the
sterling silver motif.
The applicable subheading for the copper bracelet will be
7117.19.5000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTS), which provides for imitation jewelry, of base
metal...other: other. The duty rate will be 11% ad valorem.
Articles classifiable under subheading 7117.19.5000, HTS,
which are products of Peru are entitled to duty-free treatment
under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) upon compliance
with all applicable regulations.
The sample bracelet is not marked to show the name of the
country of origin. Please be advised that Section 304 of the
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1304), requires that
every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into
the U.S. shall be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly,
indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article (or
container) will permit, in such manner as to indicate to an
ultimate purchaser in the U.S. the English name of the country of
origin of the article, at the time of importation into the
Customs territory of the U.S.
Accordingly, the bracelets must be marked "Peru" at the time
of importation into the United States.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport