CLA-2-95:D:C:DO3 D81417

Mr. Harold W. Stewart
The I.C.E. Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 610583
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Texas 75261-0583

RE: The tariff classification of toy musical instruments manufactured in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or South Korea

Dear Mr. Stewart:

In your letter dated August 13, 1998, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of Rhythm Band Inc., 1314 E. Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

You provided a sample of each item.

The first article is a pair of wooden blocks known as "Sand Blocks" with a small knob on one side of each block and sand paper on the other. The second article is a pair of 5 inch diameter brass cymbals. The third article is a pair of 2 1/4 inch finger cymbals. Another article is known as a "Handle Castanet" which is a wooden paddle with a wooden clapper on each side fastened to the paddle with a piece of cord. An article known as a "Tick Tock Block" is a 7 1/2 inch long partially hollow wooden rod with two 6 1/4 inch wooden sticks. The last article is a pair of plastic maracas.

All articles are packaged in blister packs having a logo of a printed cartoon animal among green leaves, the name of the article and a marking indicating the article is for a child's play.

The applicable subheading for each of the described articles is 9503.50.0020, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for Other toys; Toy musical instruments and apparatus and parts and accessories thereof. This classification is free of duty.

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,

David F. Greenleaf
Port Director
Dallas/Ft. Worth