The tariff classification of stuffed dolls from South Africa
Active· CBP ruling HQ 888478· Issued 1993-08-13
Ruling text
NY 888478
August 13, 1993
CLA-2-95:S:N:N8:225 888478
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 9502.10.2000
Mr. K. Scott Jung
Tribalcraft, Inc.
1605-18th Street
Niceville, Florida 32578
RE: The tariff classification of stuffed dolls from South Africa
Dear Mr. Jung:
In your letter dated May 20, 1993, received in this office on
July 23,
1993, you requested a tariff classification ruling.
A representative sample of the "Tribal" doll was submitted with your
inquiry. Item number D-21 is referred to as "Zulu Sangoma". The figure
will measure 9 or 16 inches in height. The head, lower arms and lower legs
are made of ceramic. The head is attached to a chestplate which extends
into the torso approximately 1 inch in length. The remainder of the torso
measures 3 inches in length and is stuffed with polyester fiber filling.
The doll is clothed in a traditional tribal costume. Her dress is made of
cotton and is decorated with glass beads.
The two remaining dolls of this assortment, ranging in size from 9 to
16 inches in height, are identified as follows: item number D-22 "Zulu
Bride" and D-23 "Zulu Man". These dolls are constructed in the same
fashion as described above with differences in clothing and headdress. The
blankets imported with the dolls are proportionately sized to the doll and
therefore are considered a set with essential character imparted by the
doll.
The applicable subheading for the tribal dolls will be 9502.10.2000,
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for
dolls representing only human beings: whether or not dressed: stuffed. The
duty rate will be 12 percent ad valorem.
Section 304 of the Tariff Act of 1930 as amended, states that all
articles entering the commerce of the United States must be marked with the
country of origin as permanently and conspicuously as the article will
permit. Please ensure that these requirements are met.
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
Source: rulings.cbp.gov — ruling 888478, retrieved 2026-10-12T05:24:58Z, republished verbatim. This digest is informational; only CBP issues binding rulings.