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HQ 956563


August 31, 1994

CLA-2 CO:R:C:F 956563 LPF

CATEGORY: CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO.: 9503.90.6000

Ms. Mona Webster
Customs Import Specialist
Target Stores
Import Department CC-08G
P.O. Box 1392
Minneapolis, MN 55440

RE: Classification of bubble necklace; Modification of NYRL 863507; Heading 9503, HTSUSA, other toy; Not 7117, imitation jewelry; HRL 953102

Dear Ms. Webster:

In New York Ruling Letter (NYRL) 863507, issued June 13, 1991, a Fun Pack (style #4710) consisting of a ponytail holder, shoe laces, child's handbag, and a bubble necklace were classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA). The bubble necklace was classified in subheading 7117.90.5000, HTSUSA, as imitation jewelry, other, other, valued over 20 cents per dozen pieces or parts. We have reviewed that ruling and have found it to be partially in error. Although the other articles were properly classified, the correct classification of the bubble necklace is as follows.

FACTS:

The article at issue, imported from Taiwan, is a bubble necklace. It is our understanding that the article is comprised of a plastic bottle and cap with bubble solution. Pursuant to section 625, Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1625), as amended by section 623 of Title VI (Customs Modernization) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057, 2186 (1993) (hereinafter section 625), notice of the proposed modification of NYRL 863507 was published on July 27, 1994, in the Customs Bulletin, Volume 28, Number 30.

ISSUE:

Whether the bubble necklace is classifiable in heading 9503 as other toys or in heading 7117 as imitation jewelry.

LAW AND ANALYSIS:

The General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) taken in their appropriate order provide a framework for classification of merchandise under the HTSUS. Most imported 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 GRIs may then be applied. The Explanatory Notes (ENs) 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 GRIs.

The subject article potentially is classifiable within heading 9503 as other toys or within 7117 as imitation jewelry. In regard to heading 9503, the ENs to Chapter 95 indicate that "this chapter covers toys of all kinds whether designed for the amusement of children or adults." It is Customs position that the amusement requirement means that toys should be designed and used principally for amusement. See Additional U.S. Rule of Interpretation 1(a), HTSUSA. Customs defines principal use as that use which exceeds each other single use of the article.

It is our position that the article, consisting of a bottle with bubble solution, is a toy. The bubble solution is a plaything which a child repeatedly will take off their neck for the purpose of blowing bubbles. Even if worn around the neck, it is apparent the child principally will use the article to blow bubbles. It is likely that once the supply of bubble solution has been depleted, the novelty and purpose of this article will cease to exist and, as a result, the child will discard the empty plastic bottle and its accoutrements. Accordingly, the article is designed and used principally for amusement.

In regard to heading 7117, Legal Notes 8 and 10 to Chapter 71 indicate that the expression "imitation jewelry" includes any small objects of personal adornment, gem-set or not, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, watch chains, fobs, pendants, etc. The subject article does not fit the description of imitation jewelry provided in the Legal Notes. Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1968), defines a necklace as "1(a) (1): a string of beads or other small objects (as precious stones) that is worn about the neck as an ornament (2): a chain or band usu. of metal often specially decorated... and worn about the neck as an ornament." This article, in its entirety, is not a necklace because it is not worn around the neck as an ornament. The American Heritage Dictionary Second College Edition (1985), defines a pendant as "something suspended from something else, esp. an ornament or piece of jewelry attached to a necklace or bracelet."

The bottle and bubble solution is not a pendant because it is not an ornamental article or piece of jewelry attached to a necklace. The subject article, simply, is not worn for adornment.

This decision is in accord with Headquarters Ruling Letter 953102, issued April 26, 1993, where plastic bottles designed as penguins, hearts, and bear cubs containing bubble solution and a wand for blowing bubbles, suspended on textile cords, were classified as toys. Similarly, in the instant case, the child- consumer would not intend to wear the plastic bottle and bubble solution as an article of ornamentation, but rather intend to play with the merchandise for the purpose of amusement. The fact that the article may be worn around the neck does not mean that it principally is designed to enable one to wear the bottle and bubble solution. Instead, the article is designed primarily to allow one to handle and carry the bottle and bubble solution in order to repeatedly blow bubbles. Similarly, the carrying or wearing straps of a camera or pair of binoculars do not affect the function of the merchandise nor change its classification for tariff purposes. Accordingly, the subject article principally is used for amusement and is classified, pursuant to GRI 1, within heading 9503 as other toys. The appropriate subheading is 9503.90.6000.

HOLDING:

The bubble necklace is classifiable in subheading 9503.90.6000, HTSUSA, as "Other toys...: Other: Other: Other toys (except models), not having a spring mechanism." The applicable rate of duty is 6.8 percent ad valorem. The other articles comprising the Fun Pack remain classified as held in NYRL 863507.

NYRL 863507 hereby is modified accordingly.

In accordance with section 625, this ruling will become effective 60 days from its publication in the Customs Bulletin. Publication of rulings or decisions pursuant to section 625 does not constitute a change of practice or position in accordance with section 177.10(c)(1), Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.10(c)(1)).

Sincerely,

John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division

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