The tariff classification of a game/book titled "Rhyming War" from China
Issued December 6, 2007 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 9504.90.9080
Headings: 9504
GRI rules applied: GRI 1, GRI 3
Product description
You are requesting the tariff classification on a product that is comprised of a game that is played in conjunction with the attached book. The game/book is titled “Rhyming Wars” and the cards used to play the games, along with the rules, are enclosed inside the book’s cover. The sample will be returned, as requested. Classification under the Harmonized Tariff of the United States (HTSUS) is determined in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). The systematic detail of the harmonized system is such that virtually all goods are classified by application of GRI 1, that is, according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and any relative section or chapter notes. In the event that the goods cannot be classified solely on the basis of GRI 1, and if the headings and legal notes do not otherwise require, the remaining GRIs may be applied. The imported merchandise consists of both a book and games in one package, thus forming a composite good. When the essential character of a composite good cannot be determined (as in this instance), then classification is based on the harmonized tariff classification that comes last in numerical order, of the competing classifications. In the instant case, the product may be classified in Chapter 49 as books, or as games in Chapter 95. Since the games provision appears last in the tariff (of the two competing provisions), the entire item will be classified in the other games subheading; the basis of the classification is GRI 3 (c).
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the “Rhyming War” game/book will be 9504.90.9080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for articles for arcade, table or parlor games…parts and accessories thereof: other: other…other.
Full text
N020093 December 6, 2007 CLA-2-95:OT:RR:NC:2:224 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9504.90.9080 Ms. Marianella Tomasio Innovative Kids 18 Ann Street Norwalk, CT 06854-2258 RE: The tariff classification of a game/book titled “Rhyming War” from China Dear Ms. Tomasio: In your letter dated November 16, 2007, you requested a tariff classification ruling. You are requesting the tariff classification on a product that is comprised of a game that is played in conjunction with the attached book. The game/book is titled “Rhyming Wars” and the cards used to play the games, along with the rules, are enclosed inside the book’s cover. The sample will be returned, as requested. Classification under the Harmonized Tariff of the United States (HTSUS) is determined in accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). The systematic detail of the harmonized system is such that virtually all goods are classified by application of GRI 1, that is, according to the terms of the headings of the tariff schedule and any relative section or chapter notes. In the event that the goods cannot be classified solely on the basis of GRI 1, and if the headings and legal notes do not otherwise require, the remaining GRIs may be applied. The imported merchandise consists of both a book and games in one package, thus forming a composite good. When the essential character of a composite good cannot be determined (as in this instance), then classification is based on the harmonized tariff classification that comes last in numerical order, of the competing classifications. In the instant case, the product may be classified in Chapter 49 as books, or as games in Chapter 95. Since the games provision appears last in the tariff (of the two competing provisions), the entire item will be classified in the other games subheading; the basis of the classification is GRI 3 (c). The applicable subheading for the “Rhyming War” game/book will be 9504.90.9080, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for articles for arcade, table or parlor games…parts and accessories thereof: other: other…other. The rate of duty will be free. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 Wayne Kessler at 646-733-3025. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The tariff classification of the “Pirates of the Barbary Coast Constructible Strategy Game” from China.
The tariff classification of the “Giant KerPlunk” game from China
The tariff classification of the “Broken Empires” game from China.
The tariff classification of a “PGAT Hook & Toss” game from China.
The tariff classification of the “UNO SPIN” game from Vietnam
The tariff classification of cornhole game parts from Vietnam
The tariff classification of the “CupBall Water” game from China
The tariff classification of the “Whac-a- Mole” game from China
The tariff classification of the “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Fight Cards” game from China
The tariff classification of the “Arcade Alley Laser Bowlercade” from China
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 →