NY 864206
JUN 19 1991
CLA-2-48:S:N1:234 864206
Mr. Michael O'Neill
O'Neill & Whitaker, Inc.
1809 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64108
RE: The tariff classification of a personal planner from Taiwan.
Dear Mr. O'Neill:
In your letter dated June 4, 1991, on behalf of The Mead
Corporation, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
A sample of the item in question, a "Personal Planner" (Item
No. 47104), was submitted and will be returned as requested. It
is a 3 x 14 x 20 cm looseleaf book consisting of a metal six-ring
binder mechanism, complete with pages, permanently mounted inside
a vinyl cover. The pages are essentially blank paper inserts
grouped into various sections, each distinguished by lines and
captions intended to facilitate particular kinds of written
entries. The main sections are for monthly and daily activities,
meeting notes, and telephone/address listings. The book also
contains a page for personal data, a printed six-year calendar
page, a fold-out map accompanied by handy reference information,
two plastic pages designed to hold cards and other small items,
and a plastic page-finder/ruler.
In addition, there is a note pad which may either be stored
in a pocket provided on the inside of the back cover or mounted
in the binder. The inside of the front cover also incorporates
storage pockets, and the book features a strap/snap closure.
The applicable subheading for the No. 47104 "Personal
Planner" will be 4820.10.4000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (HTS), which provides for other (non-enumerated)
articles similar to registers, account books, notebooks, receipt
books and diaries. The rate of duty will be free.
A paper sleeve, which you identify as a "sale tag," fits
over the front cover of the planner. This sleeve is printed with
the brand name of the item, certain product information, and The
Mead Corporation's name and U.S. address followed by the words,
"Made in Taiwan." You ask for confirmation that this country of
origin marking is acceptable.
Although we find that the marking is in a conspicuous place
and is legible, we also note that it lacks the degree of
permanence that other methods could easily provide. While you
indicate that Mead "will only sell this product with the sale
tag," there is no assurance that the tags will always remain on
the planners prior to retail sale. To avoid potential problems
in this regard, it is therefore recommended that the country of
origin also be stamped on the inside of the front cover, placed
on a sewn-in label, or printed on the "contents page" at the
front of the book.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Section
177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of this ruling letter should be attached to the entry
documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If the
documents have been filed without a copy, this ruling should be
brought to the attention of the Customs officer handling the
transaction.
Sincerely,
Jean F. Maguire
Area Director
New York Seaport