CLA-2-92:OT:RR:NC:N4 410
Cole Trosclair
CH Powell Company
75 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
RE: The tariff classification of The tariff classification of cymbal blanks from Germany
Dear Ms. Trosclair:
In your letter dated March 20, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client,
Avedis Zildjian Company.
The merchandise under consideration is stamped cymbal blanks. The cymbal blanks are circular in shape
with a hole in the center.
You explain that the cymbal blanks are made of proprietary copper alloys which are specialized acoustic
bronzes produced only in Germany to meet strict musical resonance standards. From the moment of smelting
and rolling into one of the company’s 45 unique coil specifications, the metal material is destined to become
a musical instrument. These blanks are precision cut and stamped out of a roll of acoustic bronze based on
the specific mass and diameter for the finished cymbal. Upon import, the blanks will go through a "voicing"
process at a single facility. This final process includes cup pressing as well as hammering and lathing on
some models including the final step of refining the tonal quality. The imported blanks are not sold to the
public and their sole use is for the cutting and shaping for making of cymbals.
The applicable subheading for the stamped cymbal blanks will be 9209.99.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule
of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Parts and accessories of musical instruments…Other.”
The general rate of duty will be 5.3 percent ad valorem.
The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. 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
at https://hts.usitc.gov/.
This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other
charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other
duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the
classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either
the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions
covering exceptions to such tariffs.
For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo
Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies.
The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as
identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the
information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and
complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not
conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.
Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic
verification by CBP.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection
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, please contact
National Import Specialist Michael Chen at [email protected].
Sincerely,
(for)
James P. Forkan
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division