CLA-2 CO:R:C:G 083869 JGH
Mrs. Nancy C. Friedler
Associated Customhouse Brokers, Inc.
One Airport Way, Suite 205
Post Office Box 22670
Rochester, N.Y. 14692
RE: Classification of a butterfly collection from Peru.
Dear Mrs. Friedler:
Your letter of February 21, 1989, to the District Director
of Customs at Buffalo, N.Y., concerning the classification, under
the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), of a
butterfly display has been referred to this office for reply.
FACTS:
The sample submitted is described as a two-sided glass
display case in a wood frame, measuring about 12 by 8 inches and
1 inch thick. It contains about 10 butterflies of various types,
sizes and colors. You also requested a ruling for a collection
of South American spiders mounted in the same manner.
ISSUE:
Classification of collections of this type under the HTSUS.
LAW & ANALYSIS:
The Explanatory Notes to the HTSUS constitute the official
interpretation of the various provisions of the HTSUS at the
international level. Heading 9705 concerns the classification of
collections and collectors' pieces of zoological, botanical,
minerological, anatomical, historical, archeological,
palaeontological ethnographic, or numismatic value. The
Explanatory Notes to heading 9705 state that the articles
included in the heading are often of little intrinsic value but
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derive their interest from their rarity, grouping or their
presentation. Classified under the heading, the Notes add, would
be dead animals of any species, preserved dry or in liquid,
stuffed animals for collectors, blown or sucked eggs, insects in
boxes, frames, etc.
A collection of this type would qualify under this heading.
HOLDING:
Butterfly or spider collections mounted as described above
are classifiable under the provision for collections of
zoological interest in subheading 9705.00.0090, HTSUS, and are
free of duty.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division
6 cc: N.Y.