CLA-2-61:OT:RR:NC:N3:348
Ms. Irene Tsiavos
Fun World
80 Voice Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
RE: The tariff of costumes from China
Dear Ms. Tsiavos:
In your letter October 14, 2016, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Your sample will be returned under separate cover.
Style 116694 50’s Biker Jacket is an adult’s costume. The garment is constructed of knit polyester fabric coated with a compact polyurethane material that completely obscures the underlying fabric. The unlined garment features a collar lined with an underside of woven fabric, long sleeves with hemmed bottoms, a full frontal opening and a hemmed bottom with curved back panel. The jacket reaches below the wearer’s waist.
You state that you believe these costumes are properly classified under heading 9505 as “festive articles.” Costumes are considered “fancy dress.” The Court of Appeals ruled on the classification of costumes in its decision in Rubie’s Costume Co. v. United States, slip op 02-1373 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 1, 2003). The decision stated that all flimsy, non-durable textile costumes that are not ordinary articles of apparel are classified under 9505.90.6000 (flimsy); all textile costumes that do not meet flimsy, non-durable standards (well made) , or are ordinary articles of apparel are classified in chapters 61 or 62. The overall amount of finishing is such that the articles are neither flimsy in nature or construction, nor lacking in durability; your costumes are well made.
Consquently, The applicable subheading for Style 116694 will be 6113.00.1005, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for garments, made up of knitted or crocheted fabrics of heading 5903, 5906 or 5907: having an outer surface impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated with rubber or plastics material which completely obscures the underlying fabric, coats and jackets: men’s or boys’. The rate of duty will be 3.8% 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 https://hts.usitc.gov/current.
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 Rosemarie Hayward via e-mail at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Steven A. Mack
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division