us-cbp-cross-rulings-hq-084038•HQ 084038: Classification of a "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder"
HQ 084038: Classification of a "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder"
us-cbp-cross-rulings-hq-084038HQ 084038: Classification of a "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder"Guidance
Native CBP ruling rendition. Applicability is fact-specific; modification/revocation relationships and original publisher date are retained. Publisher sentinel year0001 means unknown date, not a historical legal adoption.
HQ 084038
June 21, 1989
CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 084038 CMR
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 6304.93.0000
Louis Shoichet, Esq.
Siegel, Mandell & Davidson, P.C.
One Whitehall Street
New York, New York 10004
RE: Classification of a "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder"
Dear Mr. Shoichet:
This ruling is in response to your letter of February 28, 1989,
on behalf of your client, Avon Products, Inc., requesting a ruling on
the classification of a "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder" from
Hong Kong.
FACTS:
The submitted article is made with an outershell of woven man-
made fiber material. The rectangular part of the article measures 22
inches by 6 inches and is stuffed with what appears to be man-made
fiber fill. The article is designed to be placed over the arm rest
of a chair. Two pockets are sewn at one end so that a small magazine
(such as a television guide) and other small items can be placed
inside to hang perpendicular to the chair and be within convenient
reach to an individual seated in the chair. A stuffed cat figure is
attached to the center of the rectangular piece. The cat is stuffed
with a bean bag and man-made fiber fill. It acts as a counterweight
against items placed in the pockets of the rectangular piece and also
serves a decorative function.
You have requested classification of the article as a toy in
subheading 9503.41.10, HTSUSA.
-2-
ISSUE:
Is the "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder" classifiable as a
toy in subheading 9503.41.10, HTSUSA, as requested, or as a
furnishing article in subheading 6304.93.00, HTSUSA?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of merchandise under the HTSUSA is in accordance
with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI's), taken in order.
GRI 1 provides that classification is determined first in accordance
with the terms of the headings of the tariff and any relative section
and chapter notes and then, if nothing in the headings or notes
otherwise requires, in accordance with the remaining GRI's.
For tariff purposes, toys are generally recognized as items
which are designed and used for the amusement of children of adults.
In the Explanatory Notes to the HTSUS, which are the official
explanation of the HTSUS at the international level, the general
notes for Chapter 95 support this position by stating that the
"Chapter covers toys of all kinds whether designed for the amusement
of children or adults" (bold added). Clearly, toys are for
amusement.
The bean bag filled cat, taken alone, is not a toy. In our
opinion, it is not an article of amusement. It does not have the
character of a toy figure that is played with or that calls forth
laughter or tickles one's fancy. It is merely a decorative item,
whether viewed alone or attached to the rectangular piece.
The article, whether looked at as a whole or by its components,
is a type of furnishings article. It is designed to be placed on the
arm rest of a chair. We believe it is classifiable under GRI 1
without the need to apply the remaining GRI's.
HOLDING:
The "Cat Television Guide Magazine Holder" is classified as an
other furnishing article. If its outershell is of synthetic fibers,
it is classified in subheading 6304.93.0000, HTSUSA, textile category
666, dutiable at 10.6 percent ad valorem. If its outershell is of
artificial fibers, it is classified in subheading 6304.99.6020,
HTSUSA, textile category 666, dutiable at 6.4 percent ad valorem.
As a product of Hong Kong it is presently subject to an export
license based upon international textile agreements.
-3-
Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation (the
ninth and tenth digits of the classification) and the restraint
(quota/visa) categories, you should contact your local Customs office
prior to importation of this merchandise to determine the current
status of any import restraints or requirements.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division
6cc: Area Director, New York Seaport
1cc: CITA
1cc: Legal Reference Section
1cc: Phil Robins
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