CLA-2-97:RR:NC:SP:233 E84258
Mr. Scott Jacobson
Leo Kaplan Modern
41 East 57th Street, 7th floor
New York, NY 10022
RE: The tariff classification of glass sculptures from Australia.
Dear Mr. Jacobson:
In your letter dated May 25, 1999, you requested a tariff classification ruling for glass sculptures created by Benjamin Sewell.
Benjamin Sewell is a glass sculptor living and working in Australia. He creates unique, non-functional glass sculptures. He earned a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the School of Art, Curtin University, Western Australia in 1996. In 1997, he earned a Diploma of Art, and in 1998 a Graduate Diploma from the Canberra School of Art, Australian National University. Each sculpture that he creates is either unique, one-of-a-kind or in a limited edition and is not reproduced in any manner by automated production methods. Based on the submitted resume, Mr. Sewell has exhibited in public and private collections throughout the world and is recognized as a professional artist of the free fine arts.
The applicable subheading for sculptures created by Benjamin Sewell will be 9703.00.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for original sculptures and statuary, in any material. The rate of duty will be free. Sculptures that are functional or made in excess of 12 are dutiable according to their essential character.
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 Lawrence Mushinske at 212-637-7061.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division