The tariff classification and marking of a ceramic bowl from China.

NY G89255 May 4, 2001 CLA-2-69:RR:NC:2:227 G89255 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6912.00.4810 Ms. Wendy Smith Production Packaging, Inc. 1800 Averill Road Geneva, IL 60134 RE: The tariff classification and marking of a ceramic bowl from China. Dear Ms. Smith: In your letter dated April 10, 2001, you requested a tariff classification and marking ruling. The sample submitted is a ceramic cereal bowl of stoneware, measuring approximately 2 ¾ inches in height with a top diameter of 5 1/8 inches, that features the wording “got milk?” on its interior bottom. It is noted that the exterior bottom of the bowl is conspicuously and permanently marked, via the process of decalcomania, with the wording “Made in China.” It is stated to be valued at $5.16 per dozen. You state that this item should be classified under subheading 6912.00.4400, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other ceramic tableware, kitchenware…other than of porcelain or china: mugs and other steins. However, since the subject article is neither a mug nor a stein, consideration of classification under this subheading is precluded. The applicable subheading for this ceramic cereal bowl will be 6912.00.4810, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for other ceramic tableware, kitchenware…other than of porcelain or china: other, suitable for food or drink contact. The rate of duty will be 9.8 percent ad valorem. The marking statute, section 304, 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 U.S. 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 U.S. the English name of the country of origin of the article. As provided in section 134.41(b), Customs Regulations (19 CFR 134.41(b)), the country of origin marking is considered conspicuous if the ultimate purchaser in the U.S. is able to find the marking easily and read it without strain. With regard to the permanency of a marking, section 134.41(a), Customs Regulations (19 CFR 134.41(a)), provides that as a general rule marking requirements are best met by marking worked into the article at the time of manufacture. For example, it is suggested that the country of origin on metal articles be die sunk, molded in, or etched. However, section 134.44, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 134.44), generally provides that any marking that is sufficiently permanent so that it will remain on the article until it reaches the ultimate purchaser unless deliberately removed is acceptable. The proposed marking of the imported ceramic cereal bowl, as described above, is conspicuously, legibly and permanently marked in satisfaction of the marking requirements of 19 U.S.C. 1304 and 19 CFR Part 134 and is an acceptable country of origin marking for the imported ceramic bowl. 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 212-637-7073. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division