The tariff classification of semi-precious stone beads, fresh water pearls, glass beads, man-made cat’s eye beads and base metal jewelry from China.

NY J88626 September 8, 2003 CLA-2-71:RR:NC:SP:233 J88626 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7103.99.5000; 7101.10.3000; 7018.10.5000; 7101.90.5000; 7117.19.9000 Ms. Lu An 448 Whitree Ln. St. Louis, MO 63017 RE: The tariff classification of semi-precious stone beads, fresh water pearls, glass beads, man-made cat’s eye beads and base metal jewelry from China. Dear Ms. Lu An: In your letter dated August 27, 2003, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The following items are to be imported: Beads made of semi-precious rocks such as agate, jade, serpentine Fresh water pearls (assume not cultured) Glass beads Ceramic beads Man-made cat’s eye beads All of the beads will be temporarily strung for transport. In addition, you will also import costume jewelry made of base metal. The applicable subheading for the semi-precious stone beads will be 7103.99.5000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for “Precious stones (other than diamonds) and semi-precious stones, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded precious stones (other than diamonds) and semi-precious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of transport: Otherwise worked: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 10.5% ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the fresh water pearls will be 7101.10.3000, HTS, which provides for “Pearls, natural or cultured, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; pearls, natural or cultured, temporarily strung for convenience of transport: Natural pearls: Graded and temporarily strung for convenience of transport.” The rate of duty will be free. The applicable subheading for the glass beads will be 7018.10.5000, HTS, which provides for “Glass beads…Other.” The rate of duty will be free. The applicable subheading for the man-made cat’s eye beads will be 7101.90.5000, HTS, which provides for “Synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of transport: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 6.4% ad valorem. The applicable subheading for the base metal jewelry will be 7117.19.9000, HTS, which provides for “Imitation jewelry: Of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 11% ad valorem. In order for us to issue a ruling on the ceramic beads, we will require additional information. Please identify the type of ceramic, e.g., porcelain, stoneware or earthenware. Also, please submit a sample of the ceramic beads. 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 Lawrence Mushinske at 646-733-3036. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division