MAR-2-05 CO:R:C:V 734667 NL
Mr. John J. Ackelson
V.P. Operations
MinnPar, Inc
900 Sixth Avenue Southeast
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
RE: Country of Origin Marking - "Made in EC"
Dear Mr. Ackelson:
This is in response to your letter dated May 20, 1992, in
which you request a ruling concerning the marking, "Made in the
European Community.
FACTS:
Your letter and attached correspondence indicate that your
supplier in Germany, Hanomag AG, has requested that you seek
approval for the marking, "Made in the European Community." You
also request information as to any anticipated changes in Customs
position on this point.
ISSUE:
Does the name "EC" or "European Community" satisfy the
country of origin marking requirements?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C.
1304), provides that, unless excepted, every article of foreign
origin imported into the U.S. shall be marked with the English
name of its country of origin.
Part 134, Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 134), implements
the country of origin marking requirements and exceptions of 19
U.S.C. 1304. As defined at 19 CFR 134.1(a), for country of
origin marking purposes "'country' means the political entity
known as a nation." Inasmuch as the European Community is an
organization of sovereign states, operating largely as a customs
union, it is not a "country" as defined in the Customs
Regulations. Until such time as the EC might achieve full
political union, and its member countries divest themselves of
independent status as states, the names "EC" and "European
Community" cannot be used as country names for marking purposes.
To the extent that articles originate in the EC, they must
be marked with the names of their country(ies) of origin for
importation into the U.S. Marking articles with the names "EC"
or "European Community" will not satisfy the requirements of 19
U.S.C. 1304 and Part 134, Customs Regulations.
There is no anticipated change in this requirement.
Sincerely,
John Durant
Director, Commercial
Rulings Division