The tariff classification of three pillar shaped wax candles from China.

NY I84508 July 30, 2002 CLA-2-34:RR:NC:SP:237 I84508 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 3406.00.0000 Ms. Lorianne Aldinger Rite Aid Corporation P.O. Box 3165 Harrisburg, PA 17105 RE: The tariff classification of three pillar shaped wax candles from China. Dear Ms. Aldinger: In your letter dated July 23, 2002 you requested a tariff classification ruling on three pillar shaped wax candles. Your samples are being returned. Item No. 929767 Ivory Pillar Candle with Reindeer Design consists of a wax candle poured in a wax cylinder that has a gold painted impression of a reindeer and measures 3 in. high x 3 in. diameter. In your letter you indicate a composition of 51% palm oil and 49% paraffin wax. The sample is retail packed in clear cellophane wrap tied with a gold bow. The applicable subheading for the pillar shaped wax candle with reindeer design will be 3406.00.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for candles, tapers and the like. The rate of duty is free. Items No. 929767 Ivory Pillar Candle with Snowman Design and No. 929767 Ivory Pillar Candle with Poinsettia Design are seasonal merchandise and not necessarily associated with a particular holiday. However, the issue of the scope of the term “festive articles” under heading 9505, HTSUS, is currently pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the matter of Park B. Smith Ltd. V. United States, Court of Appeals No. 01-1578 (cross appeal # 01-1586). Section 177.7, Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177.7) provides that rulings will not be issued in certain circumstances. Section 177.7(b) states, in pertinent part, the following: No ruling letter will be issued with respect to any issue which is pending before the United States Court of International Trade, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or any court of appeal therefrom. In light of the prohibition set out in 19 CFR 177.7(b), and as the instant classification ruling request is closely related to the issue presently pending in the Court of Appeals, we are unable to issue a classification ruling letter to you with respect to the candles with snowman and poinsettia designs. When all litigation has been concluded on the case referenced above, you may resubmit your request for a ruling on the candles with snowman and poinsettia designs. If you decide to resubmit your request, please include all materials that we have returned to you and mail your request to Director, National Commodity Specialist Division, U.S. Customs Service, Attn: CIE/Ruling Request, One Penn Plaza, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10119. Candles from China may be subject to anti-dumping duties administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Import Administration. You may contact them at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230, telephone number (202) 482-4106. 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. For any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Frank Cantone at 646-733-3038. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division