CLA-2-96:S:N:N3:113 893635
Mr. Bob Sanford
Sanford International
400 Dublin Avenue, Suite 160
Columbus, OH 43215
RE: The tariff classification of writing instruments from Taiwan
Dear Mr. Sanford:
In your letter dated December 27, 1993, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
The merchandise consists of four ball point pens and a clutch pencil. All are black with gold trim. Two of the ball point pens have removable caps and appear identical except for the width of the gold band at the bottom of the cap. The third pen has a writing tip that extends and retracts by twisting the cap. The tip of the last pen extends and retracts by depressing the cap. The lead of the clutch pencil is extended by depressing the cap. Each of these items is marked with a country of origin "Taiwan" inconspicuously located at the side of the clip. This marking does not satisfy the requirements of 19 CFR 1304. We recommend that you contact your local Customs district for assistance in determining an acceptable method of marking before importing the merchandise.
The applicable subheading for the clutch pencil will be 9608.40.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for propelling or sliding pencils. The rate of duty will be 3.4 percent ad valorem.
The applicable subheading for the four ball point pens will be 9608.10.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for ball point pens. The rate of duty will be 0.8 cents each plus 5.4 percent ad valorem.
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