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L86861 L8 Ruling Active

The tariff classification of a Flashing Mouth from China.

Issued August 10, 2005 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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L8 L86861 (August 10, 2005)

Tariff classification

HTS codes: 9505.90.6000

Headings: 9505

Product description

You submitted a sample of a Flashing Mouth, identified as item number CKS-3016A, which is a flexible reusable rubber device designed to be inserted into a person’s mouth as a mouthpiece. When a button in the center of the device is pressed, it activates flashing multi-colored lights that light up the teeth when the user smiles. Pressing the button a second time, turns the lights off. The device is packaged on an illustrated hang card. Although you suggest classification of the “Flashing Mouth” as a practical joke article under tariff number 9505.90.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this office believes the more appropriate classification would be as a costume accessory under tariff number 9505.90.6000. Please note NY ruling H88915 dated March 5, 2002, for a similar functioning product (“Glowing Mouth”).

CBP rationale

The applicable subheading for the Flashing Mouth, identified as item number CKS-3016A, will be 9505.90.6000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, including magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof: other: other.

Full text

NY L86861 August 10, 2005 CLA-2-95:RR:NC:SP:225 L86861 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9505.90.6000 Ms. Jane L. Taeger Samuel Shapiro & Co., Inc. 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 500 Baltimore, MD 21202-3044 RE: The tariff classification of a Flashing Mouth from China. Dear Ms. Taeger: In your letter dated August 1, 2005, on behalf of Unique Industries of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you requested a tariff classification ruling. You submitted a sample of a Flashing Mouth, identified as item number CKS-3016A, which is a flexible reusable rubber device designed to be inserted into a person’s mouth as a mouthpiece. When a button in the center of the device is pressed, it activates flashing multi-colored lights that light up the teeth when the user smiles. Pressing the button a second time, turns the lights off. The device is packaged on an illustrated hang card. Although you suggest classification of the “Flashing Mouth” as a practical joke article under tariff number 9505.90.2000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this office believes the more appropriate classification would be as a costume accessory under tariff number 9505.90.6000. Please note NY ruling H88915 dated March 5, 2002, for a similar functioning product (“Glowing Mouth”). The applicable subheading for the Flashing Mouth, identified as item number CKS-3016A, will be 9505.90.6000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, including magic tricks and practical joke articles; parts and accessories thereof: other: other. The rate of duty will be Free. 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 Alice Wong at 646-733-3026. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division

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