CLA-2-95:OT:RR:NC:N4:424
Mr. Peter Salvato
Import Commodity Group Ltd.
131 East Merrick Road
Valley Stream, NY 11580
RE: The tariff classification of a novelty baseball from China
Dear Mr. Salvato:
In your letter dated January 15, 2010, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Team Beans LLC.
A sample of a novelty baseball, described as the “Image Ball Ornament,” was received with your inquiry. The baseball is constructed with an external leatherette/PVC covering embossed with four batters and their names from the Major League Baseball Red Sox team. The ball also contains the players’ “signatures” and a sewn-in “B” for Boston. While the article appears to be a baseball, it does not meet the regulation weight or construction of a traditional baseball. The sample is being retained by this office.
The applicable subheading for the “Image Ball Ornament” novelty baseball will be 9506.69.6020, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for "Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports…or outdoor games…: Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls: Other: Other…Other." The rate of duty will be 4.9% 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 World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/.
Importations of this product may be subject to the provisions of Section 133 of the Customs Regulations if they copy or simulate a registered trademark, trade name or copyright recorded with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If you are an authorized importer of the product we recommend notifying your local CBP office prior to importation.
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 James Forkan at (646) 733-3025.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division