The country of origin marking of combs, a brush and soap holders from the United Kingdom. Dear Mr. Bridger:

NY 801212 August 29, 1994 CATEGORY: Marking Mr. Darren Bridger The Body Shop, Inc. P.O. Box 1409 Wake Forest, North Carolina 27588 RE: The country of origin marking of combs, a brush and soap holders from the United Kingdom. Dear Mr. Bridger: In your letter dated July 21, 1994, received in this office August 17, 1994, you requested a country of origin marking ruling. You have submitted samples of three combs, a pic, a comb/pic combination, a complexion brush and two plastic soap holders. The articles are marked "Made in England" or "Made in UK." You have asked if the markings on these articles are acceptable as well as whether "UK" is an acceptable abbreviation of United Kingdom. The marking statute, section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1304), provides that, unless excepted, every article of foreign origin (or its container) imported into the United States shall be marked in a conspicuous place as legibly, indelibly, and permanently as the nature of the article (or its container) will permit, in such a manner as to indicate to the ultimate purchaser in the United States the English name of the country of origin of the article. Part 134, Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 134) implements the country of origin marking requirements and exception of 19 U.S.C. 1304. In ruling 731799 KG, dated May 15, 1989, U.S. Customs stated that the abbreviation "UK" for United Kingdom is an acceptable abbreviation for country of origin marking. The marking on all of the samples are blind stamped. The lettering on all but two samples are large enough to be easily read with the naked eye. The two exceptions are the blue 7 1/4 inch comb, and the pink 7 1/4 inch comb/pic combination. It is our opinion that the letters "Made in England" cannot be read without strain which renders the marking inconspicuous. We would advise you to enlarge the lettering comparable to the other samples. - 2 - Your samples are being returned. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the transaction. Sincerely, Jean F. Maguire Area Director New York Seaport