Country of origin marking requirements for prints fromItaly.

NY 862827 MAY 07 1991 MAR-2-49:S:N1:234 862827 CATEGORY: Marking Mr. Michael J. Shea M.J. Shea & Co., Inc. 1801-I Cross Beam Drive Charlotte, NC 28217 RE: Country of origin marking requirements for prints from Italy. Dear Mr. Shea: In your letter dated April 15, 1991, on behalf of Chelsea House Inc., you requested a country of origin marking ruling. A sample was submitted and will be retained for reference. It is a picture of flowers printed on a 13 1/2 x 18 1/2 inch sheet of heavy, textured paper. The lower left-hand corner of the reverse side is marked, in 1/8 inch lettering, "Made in Italy." The prints will be sold either framed or unframed for use as decorative items usually displayed on a wall. You ask whether the marking on the sample is acceptable. We believe the instant marking is sufficiently conspicuous that the ultimate purchaser would see it on casual examination of the unframed print. We note, however, that the location of the marking is such that it would likely be concealed when the article is mounted in a frame. Accordingly, the instant marking is approved if the prints are imported unframed and offered to ultimate purchasers in that condition. In cases where, prior to sale, the prints are to be framed, mounted and/or packaged in a way that will conceal the country of origin, the importer will be required to ensure that additional wording, such as "Made in Italy," or "Print Made in Italy," be put in a conspicuous place on the finished article or its packaging. This additional marking must be done in a manner sufficiently permanent that it will reach, and be easily seen by, the ultimate purchaser in the United States. 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