CLA-2-83:OT:RR:NC:N1:121
Ms. Audrey Szatkowski
Ocean Import Manager
Schenker, Inc., Chicago Branch
1333 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
RE: The tariff classification of a Poster Snap, a Snap Frame and an A Board from China
Dear Ms. Szatkowski:
In your letter dated April 25, 2011, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of VKF Renzel USA Corporation. Samples of the Poster Snap and Snap Frame were submitted and will be retained by this office. A photograph of the A Board was also provided.
The first article under consideration is called a Poster Snap (product number ST-ALU 155). It serves to hold and display a poster suspended from a ceiling. The Poster Snap consists of two 24-inch long, hinged aluminum profiles lined with a narrow strip of foam. Each profile opens and closes along its length to enable insertion of the top or bottom rim of a poster. The top profile includes two plastic loops for hanging. Although the sample you provided includes plastic end caps on the edges of each profile, you indicate that these will not be attached until after importation.
You have proposed classification of the Poster Snap in subheading 7616.99.50, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of aluminum. This office disagrees with your proposal because the Poster Snap is provided for more specifically elsewhere in the tariff.
The applicable subheading for the Poster Snap will be 8306.29.0000, HTSUS , which provides for bells, gongs and the like, nonelectric, of base metal…statuettes and other ornaments, and parts thereof, other. The rate of duty will be free.
The second article under consideration is called a Snap Frame (product number ST-USA 380). It is a picture frame made up of four black aluminum profiles, a rectangular aluminum subframe, a plastic cover and a plastic backing. The 1-inch wide profiles have mitered edges and are hinged to the perimeter of the subframe. They lift open and snap close to frame a picture and secure it between the backing and the cover. The Snap Frame measures approximately 12-1/4 inches long by 9-3/4 inches wide overall and can accommodate an 8X10 inch picture. It mounts to a wall using screws and wall anchors (not included) and is designed to display advertisements.
The final article under consideration is called an A Board. It is a floor-standing aluminum frame with a sheet metal backing. It consists of two identical frames, each having two legs. The frames are hinged together along the top. When the base is separated, its side view resembles the letter “A.” It measures 39.05 inches in height overall, including legs; the frame portion alone measures 23.75 inches by 29.75 inches. The A Board is designed to display advertisements.
The applicable subheading for the Snap Frame and the A Board will be 8306.30.0000, HTSUS, which provides for bells, gongs and the like, nonelectric, of base metal…photograph, picture or similar frames, of base metal…photograph, picture or similar frames; mirrors and parts thereof. The rate of duty will be 2.7 percent 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/.
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 Barbara Kaiser at (646) 733-3024.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division