C83530 C8 Ruling Active

The tariff classification of flashlights from China.

Issued January 30, 1998 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tariff classification

HTS codes: 8513.10.2000

Headings: 8513

Product description

They feature removable plastic bulbar-shape head covers that depict macabre-like faces and possess slide-switch mechanisms, situated on their bodies, for activating their lights.

CBP rationale

The applicable subheading for these flashlights, item number 60117, will be 8513.10.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy.

Full text

NY C83530 January 30, 1998 CLA-2-85:RR:NC:2:227 C83530 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8513.10.2000 Mr. Dave Wickland Pacific Trade Services, Inc. 25 Central Way, Ste. 220 Kirkland, WA 98033 RE: The tariff classification of flashlights from China. Dear Mr. Wickland: In your letter dated January 7, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Samples are being returned as requested. The samples submitted consist of plastic battery-operated cylindrical-shape flashlights, known as the "Halloween Illuminators" (item number 60117), which measure approximately 9 to 10 1/2 inches in length (noting that some of these lamps do not have lenses). They feature removable plastic bulbar-shape head covers that depict macabre-like faces and possess slide-switch mechanisms, situated on their bodies, for activating their lights. You state that this merchandise should be properly classified under subheading 9505.90.60, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other festive, carnival or other entertainment articles. Although the head covers may be decorative in nature, they serve an ancillary role in regard to the flashlights (not traditionally associated with Halloween) which serve the functional use of providing light. Therefore, it has been determined that the subject articles are composite goods with the essential character of these items being imparted by the flashlight portion. The applicable subheading for these flashlights, item number 60117, will be 8513.10.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy...flashlights. The rate of duty will be 15 percent ad valorem. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 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 George Kalkines at 212-466-5794. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division

View original on CBP CROSS →

More rulings on the same tariff codes

Searching CBP rulings the smart way

TariffLens semantically searches all 200,000+ CBP rulings, surfaces the ones that actually match your product, and builds defensible classifications backed by ruling citations.

Book a demo →