The tariff classification of a zombie kit from an unknown country
Issued March 2, 2021 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Tariff classification
HTS codes: 9903.88.15, 4908.90.0000
Product description
Photos and a detailed description of the item were submitted for our review. Item #9625CZ, “Zombie Tattoos” is a kit including a sheet of six temporary tattoos (transfers), which look like scars and wounds, and a 7ml vile of fake blood. Per the packaging, “By applying the components of the kit, one can create the likeness of a zombie.” The Explanatory Notes (ENs) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) constitute the official interpretation of the tariff at the international level. EN X to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) provides: “for the purposes of this Rule, the term "goods put up in sets for retail sale" shall be taken to mean goods which: (a) consist of at least two different articles which are, prima facie, classifiable in different headings; (b) consist of products or articles put together to meet a particular need or carry out a specific activity; and (c) are put up in a manner suitable for sale directly to users without repacking (e.g., in boxes or cases or on boards).” Sets are classified according to the component, or components taken together, which can be regarded as conferring on the set as a whole its essential character. The tattoo kit consists of multiple articles classifiable under separate headings. The components of the kit carry out a specific activity, that of adorning the skin to look like a zombie, and are packaged together for retail sale. The kit therefore fulfills the term “goods put up in sets for retail sale.” The essential character of the set is conferred by the multiple temporary tattoos that predominate by quantity, value and role. We also note that the item is marketed with the word “tattoos.” Therefore, the set as a whole is classified under the tariff provision for the temporary tattoos in heading 4908, HTSUS.
CBP rationale
The applicable subheading for Item #9625CZ will be 4908.90.0000, HTSUS, which provides for “Transfers (decalcomanias): Other.
Full text
N317957 March 2, 2021 CLA-2-49:OT:RR:NC:4:434 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 4908.90.0000; 9903.88.15 T.C. Li Fun World 80 Voice Rd. Carle Place, NY 11514 RE: The tariff classification of a zombie kit from an unknown country Dear M. Li: In your letter, dated February 16, 2021, you requested a tariff classification ruling on a zombie kit that will be made in either China, Vietnam, Taiwan or India, to be decided later. Photos and a detailed description of the item were submitted for our review. Item #9625CZ, “Zombie Tattoos” is a kit including a sheet of six temporary tattoos (transfers), which look like scars and wounds, and a 7ml vile of fake blood. Per the packaging, “By applying the components of the kit, one can create the likeness of a zombie.” The Explanatory Notes (ENs) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) constitute the official interpretation of the tariff at the international level. EN X to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) provides: “for the purposes of this Rule, the term "goods put up in sets for retail sale" shall be taken to mean goods which: (a) consist of at least two different articles which are, prima facie, classifiable in different headings; (b) consist of products or articles put together to meet a particular need or carry out a specific activity; and (c) are put up in a manner suitable for sale directly to users without repacking (e.g., in boxes or cases or on boards).” Sets are classified according to the component, or components taken together, which can be regarded as conferring on the set as a whole its essential character. The tattoo kit consists of multiple articles classifiable under separate headings. The components of the kit carry out a specific activity, that of adorning the skin to look like a zombie, and are packaged together for retail sale. The kit therefore fulfills the term “goods put up in sets for retail sale.” The essential character of the set is conferred by the multiple temporary tattoos that predominate by quantity, value and role. We also note that the item is marketed with the word “tattoos.” Therefore, the set as a whole is classified under the tariff provision for the temporary tattoos in heading 4908, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for Item #9625CZ will be 4908.90.0000, HTSUS, which provides for “Transfers (decalcomanias): 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 the World Wide Web at https://hts.usitc.gov/current. In cases when the kits are manufactured in China, the following will apply: Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheading 4908.90.0000, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 7.5 percent ad valorem rate of duty. At the time of importation, you must report the Chapter 99 subheading, i.e., 9903.88.15, in addition to the correct subheading. The HTSUS is subject to periodic amendment so you should exercise reasonable care in monitoring the status of goods covered by the Note cited above and the applicable Chapter 99 subheading. For background information regarding the trade remedy initiated pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, you may refer to the relevant parts of the USTR and CBP websites, which are available at https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/enforcement/section-301-investigations/tariff-actions and https://www.cbp.gov/trade/remedies/301-certain-products-china respectively. With regard to your request for a tariff classification ruling for the “Infested Flesh Makeup Kit,” item number 2729CF, this office is precluded from issuing a ruling letter by the provisions of part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R.177) on the classification of merchandise that is similar to merchandise that is currently being reviewed by Regulations and Rulings at Customs Headquarters. This referenced file is administratively closed. When is issue is resolved you may resubmit your request. 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 Charlene Miller at [email protected]. Sincerely, Steven A. Mack Director National Commodity Specialist Division
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