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NY G85125




December 15, 2000

CLA-2-95:RR:NC:2:224 G85125

CATEGORY: CLASSIFICATION

TARIFF NO.: 9506.99.6080

Richard Scarpelli
Regent Sports Corp.
P.O. Box 11357
Hauppauge NY 11788

RE: The tariff classification of a Volleyball set and Croquet set made in China.

Dear Mr. Scarpelli:

In your letter dated November 28, 2000, you requested a tariff classification ruling.

The merchandise consists of complete editions of Volleyball (item #70285) and Croquet (item #14424) sets. In their imported condition, the games and all their requisites are packed in immediate cardboard containers which are in turn packed in their own PVC/Polyester carry/storage bags.

Classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is made in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). 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 GRIs may then be applied.

The imported merchandise consists of game equipment and a bag for carrying and storing the games. Heading 9506, HTSUS, provides for “Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.” (Emphasis added). Since the subject Croquet set and Volleyball set are designed principally for outdoor game play, there is no need to go any further than this heading in the tariff for classification of the game merchandise. There is no subheading provision in heading 9506 that specifically addresses or describes the subject merchandise and accordingly the sets can be classified in the heading’s residual provision, subheading 9506.99.6080, HTSUS.

Regarding the bag, certain containers may be classified with the article they are designed to hold, if the requirements of GRI 5(a) are met. In pertinent part, GRI 5(a) states that:

Camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, drawing instrument cases, necklace cases and similar containers, specially shaped or fitted to contain a specific article or set of articles, suitable for long term use and entered with the articles for which they are intended, shall be classified with such articles when of a kind normally sold therewith.

In this case, the bag is shaped to contain each game’s immediate container. The bag is suitable for long-term use in that it is constructed of sturdy textiles and plastic, with a zipper closure. The bag will also be entered only with the articles it is intended to contain and is not sold separately for other uses. We find that these bags are principally or solely used with their stated game contents. It is our determination that the bag meets the requirements of GRI 5(a), and is classifiable in the game provisions with its contents.

The applicable subheading for the Volleyball set and the Croquet set will be 9506.99.6080, HTSUS, the provision for articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports...or outdoor games...Other...Other. The rate of duty will be 4 percent ad valorem.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 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 Tom McKenna at 212.637.7015.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity

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