The tariff classification of candleholders from China.
Issued March 31, 2008 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 9817.95.05, 9405.50.4000
Product description
The two candleholders are constructed of agglomerated stone in the form of three-dimensional human skulls measuring approximately 4 inches in height and 3 inches in width. Cemented into the top of each skull is a clear glass votive size candle holder specifically fitted for a votive candle. The upper rim of the glass holder is situated over the top of the skulls leaving the candle flame fully exposed. The skull candleholders are classifiable under subheading 9405.50.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for non-electrical lamps and lighting fittings. However, these items are in the form of a three-dimensional representation of a symbol or motif closely associated with Halloween. They are designed, marketed and sold during and in celebration of Halloween, which is a recognized holiday in the United States (see HQ H019363). Accordingly, the Halloween Skull Candleholders are eligible for duty-free treatment under subheading 9817.95.05, HTSUS.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for the Halloween Skull Candleholders, Item Number 456180, will be 9817.95.05, HTSUS, which provides for “Articles classifiable in subheadings…9405.
Full text
N025134 March 31, 2008 CLA-2-94:OT:RR:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9405.50.4000; 9817.95.05 Ms. Una Gauthier CVS Onsite Import Client Liaison Barthco International, division of Ozburn-Hessey Logistics One CVS Drive Woonsocket, RI 02895 RE: The tariff classification of candleholders from China. Dear Ms. Gauthier: In your letter dated March 19, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client CVS/Pharmacy. The merchandise under consideration is the Halloween Skull Candleholders, Item Number 456180. Samples of a pair of candleholders were submitted with your ruling request and will be returned to you. The two candleholders are constructed of agglomerated stone in the form of three-dimensional human skulls measuring approximately 4 inches in height and 3 inches in width. Cemented into the top of each skull is a clear glass votive size candle holder specifically fitted for a votive candle. The upper rim of the glass holder is situated over the top of the skulls leaving the candle flame fully exposed. The skull candleholders are classifiable under subheading 9405.50.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for non-electrical lamps and lighting fittings. However, these items are in the form of a three-dimensional representation of a symbol or motif closely associated with Halloween. They are designed, marketed and sold during and in celebration of Halloween, which is a recognized holiday in the United States (see HQ H019363). Accordingly, the Halloween Skull Candleholders are eligible for duty-free treatment under subheading 9817.95.05, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for the Halloween Skull Candleholders, Item Number 456180, will be 9817.95.05, HTSUS, which provides for “Articles classifiable in subheadings…9405.20, 9405.40 or 9405.50, the foregoing meeting the descriptions set forth below: Utilitarian articles in the form of a three-dimensional representation of a symbol or motif clearly associated with a specific holiday in the United States.” The general 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 Thomas Campanelli at 646-733-3016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
Ruling history
More rulings on the same tariff codes
The tariff classification of a plastic bowl from China Ms. Lawrence In your letter dated February 2, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample and an import quote sheet was submitted with your request. The sample will be retained by this office. The item is referred to as a 3D Ghost Ramekin, SKU #43846501. The three-dimensional, round, white bowl is shaped like a ghost’s face. The item measures approximately 3.62 inches long by 3.62 inches wide by 2.17 inches high. The bowl is made from 50% melamine and 50% urea plastic materials. You have indicated that the bowl is food-safe, but it’s not dishwasher, microwave, or oven-safe. The item will be marketed and sold during the Halloween season. The volume capacity of the bowl is 6.4 fluid ounces. You refer to this item as a ramekin. A ramekin is an individual baking dish used in the oven. This article is a plastic bowl and is not heatproof. The applicable subheading for the Ghost bowl, SKU#43846501, will be 3924.10.2000, H
The tariff classification of hand-painted candles from Lithuania
The tariff classification of ceramic cups and a ceramic coaster set from China
The tariff classification of a plastic water bottle from China
The tariff classification of ceramic tableware articles from China
The tariff classification of an iron candle holder from India
The tariff classification of two glass candle holders from China
The tariff classification of soap dispensers and bathroom holders from China
The tariff classification of a candle holder from China
The tariff classification of ceramic incense burner sets 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 →