HQ 0952607 - Modification of NYRL 851614; a doll from Taiwan - United States International Trade Commision Rulings

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HQ 952607

December 2, 1992

CLA-2 CO:R:C:F 952607 GGD

CATEGORY: CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO.: 9502.10.2000; 9902.95.01

Mr. Jeffrey H. Wright
Heritage Mint, Ltd. dba Heritage Marketing International
9419 East San Salvador Drive - #104
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

RE: Modification of NYRL 851614; a doll from Taiwan

Dear Mr. Wright:

This letter is in further response to your inquiry of April 19, 1990, concerning the tariff classification of a doll to be imported from Taiwan by Heritage Marketing International. A sample was submitted with your original ruling request.

FACTS:

In New York Ruling Letter (NYRL) 851614, dated May 3, 1990, Customs classified the doll under subheading 9502.10.8000, HTSUSA, the provision for dolls, whether or not dressed, that are other than stuffed, and are over 33 cm. in height. The applicable duty rate for this subheading is 12 percent ad valorem. We have reviewed that ruling and have found it to be partially incorrect.

The doll measures approximately 16 inches in height, and has a porcelain head and porcelain lower extremities. The doll is dressed in a white blouse, velvet vest, a long floral skirt, and matching hat. The doll's torso is partially filled with traditional stuffing material surrounding an inserted music box. The music box imparts a hard feel to the doll's torso.

ISSUE:

Whether the doll should be classified as stuffed, or as other than stuffed.

LAW AND ANALYSIS:

Classification under the HTSUSA is made in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI's). The systematic detail of the harmonized system is such that virtually all goods are classified by application of GRI 1, that is, according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. In the event that the goods cannot be classified solely on the basis of GRI 1, and if the headings and legal notes do not otherwise require, the remaining GRI's may then be applied. The Explanatory Notes (EN's) to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which represent the official interpretation of the tariff at the international level, facilitate classification under the HTSUSA by offering guidance in understanding the scope of the headings and GRI's.

The proper heading in this case is clear, i.e., heading 9502 for dolls. The subheadings at issue differentiate between stuffed dolls and those that are not stuffed. Therefore, only reference to GRI 1 is necessary here, as a determination of what constitutes a stuffed doll is dispositive of the issue. The definition of "stuffed doll," for tariff purposes, is set out in Customs Service Decision (CSD) 92-28, dated July 8, 1992. This definition states that a doll is "stuffed" if:

(a) the torso (which in this use means the body of the doll from the bottom of the neck to the groin) is, in whole or in part, manufactured to contain either:

(i) traditional stuffing material, which includes natural or synthetic textile materials,
(ii) filling material, which includes pellets, beans, or crushed nutshells, or
(iii) any combination of the stuffing or filling material referred to in (i) and (ii);

(b) any insert in the doll, which may include a mechanism, voice unit, sound device, head stabilizer, music box, battery pack, or similar device, or compartment in which a person's hand can be placed, is covered by the stuffing or filling material referred to in (a) on at least 3 of the 4 sides of the torso;

(c) at least a portion of the skin of the torso is constructed of soft or pliable material or fabric; and

(d) any hard-surface harness, chestplate, or backplate making up or over a portion of the body of the doll, does not extend below half of the distance from the bottom of the neck to the bottom of the groin.

It is our determination that the doll is classified in subheading 9502.10.2000, HTSUSA, the provision for stuffed dolls. The doll's torso is stuffed with traditional stuffing material, and is covered in a skin of soft fabric. The inserted music box is covered by the stuffing on at least 3 of the 4 sides of the torso.

HOLDING:

The doll is properly classified under subheading 9502.10.2000, HTSUSA, the provision for dolls representing human beings and parts and accessories thereof, dolls, whether or not dressed, stuffed. The duty on this merchandise is temporarily suspended under subheading 9902.95.01, HTSUSA, until December 31, 1992, after which time the general column one duty rate of 12 percent ad valorem will apply.

NYRL 851614, dated May 3, 1990, is hereby modified.

Sincerely,

John Durant, Director

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