CLA-2-22:RR:NC:SP:232 J87531
Mr. Shachar Gat
Shonfeld’s USA
16871 Noyes Avenue
Irvine, CA. 92606
RE: The tariff classification of a Cruet Set from China
Dear Mr. Gat:
In your letter dated July 16, 2003, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
You submitted descriptive literature, product photographs, and a mock-up product sample with your request. The subject merchandise is Product OV-205327, an oil and vinegar, or cruet, set marketed as a “Split Cruet Set”. As the package submitted appears to be a prototype, the product when imported may not be exactly as shown in the sample, and the actual weight of the contents of each item is not specified.
Product OV-205327 is a cruet set which consists of two 9-inch tall nesting hemispherical glass bottles with cork stoppers, glass loops as handles at the neck, and pouring spout shaped rims. These are packaged together and tied with twine to make one retail item. The twine is also looped from the cruet handles to form a handle for carrying ease. One bottle contains 350 ml of “chili-flavored oil”, a red liquid that has visible chilies and spices floating within. It is said to consist of canola oil, dehydrated chili peppers, black peppercorns, paprika, and flavors. The other half of the set is 350 ml of a yellow liquid called rosemary infused vinegar that also has visible spices floating within. It is described as containing distilled white vinegar, with an acetic acid content of 6 percent, mustard seeds, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar. All ingredient information was obtained from the cardboard label wrapped around the submitted sample.
For classification purposes this item is considered a set. It is determined that there is no essential character to this set. Accordingly, using the guidelines set forth by GRI 3(c), the applicable subheading for Product OV-205327, cruet set, will be 2209.00.0000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid. The rate of duty will be 0.5 cents per proof liter.
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 John Maria at (646) 733-3031.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski
Director,
National Commodity
Specialist Division