NY 868626
December 3 1991
CLA-2-96:S:N:N1:236 868626
Mr. George J. Kowals, Jr.
President
International Business Developers, Ltd.
5850 Cameron Run-Suite 1014
Alexandria, Virginia 22303
RE: The tariff classification of a Gun Cleaning Equipment Set
from South Africa.
Dear Mr. Kowals:
In your letter dated November 4, 1991, you requested a
tariff classification ruling.
The prospective import is a Gun Cleaning Set composed of the
following items:
1. Rifle and shotgun rods with brass ferrules and
molded nylon handles.
2. 2 Cotton flannel patches.
3. Phosphor bronze brushes
4. Brass jags or bits
5. Cleaners and solvents in small amounts.
These items will be packaged together in a plastic container
and constitute a set. There is presently no quota on the cotton
flannel patches from South Africa. However due to the changeable
nature of textile agreements, you are advised to contact your
local Customs office prior to importation of this merchandise to
determine the current status of any import restraints or
requirements.
In this case, the component which gives the set its
essential character is not readily apparent. Each part in the
set plays a role in the cleaning of the guns. When the component
which gives the goods their essential character cannot be
determined, the set is classifiable under the General Rules of
Interpretation G.R.I. 3(c) i.e., in the absence of finding the
component which gives the set its essential character, the set
will be classified under the heading which occurs last in
numerical order among those items which equally merit
consideration. That item is the brush or brushes.
The applicable subheading for the gun cleaning set (brush)
will be 9603.90.8050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTS), which provides for other brushes. The rate of duty
will be 5.6 percent ad valorem.
Each set should be marked as clearly, legibly and indelibly
as possible with the proper country of origin. The South African
manufacturer is not listed as a parastatal entity nor is HTS
9603.90.8050 listed on the HTS restricted list.
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