The tariff classification of a ceramic stein from Germany.

NY A86868 September 17, 1996 CLA-2-69:RR:NC:GI: 227 A86868 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 6911.10.4500 Ms. Clare Rappaport Clarion Marketing and Communications Greenwich Office Park 5 Greenwich, CT 06831-5159 RE: The tariff classification of a ceramic stein from Germany. Dear Ms. Rappaport: In your letter dated August 21, 1996, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The sample submitted is a ceramic stein of porcelain which measures approximately 6 1/2 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter at the top. It features a pewter lid with a ceramic inlay imprinted with the "Clausthaler" logo (noting this same logo appears on its front exterior) and possesses a plain smooth inner and outer surface. Although you state that this merchandise will be sold as a collector's item, it has been determined that the subject stein serves a useful purpose no less efficiently than its plainer counterparts and that its usefulness is not clearly subordinate to its ornamental character. The applicable subheading for this porcelain stein will be 6911.10.4500, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for mugs and other steins. The rate of duty will be 16.8 percent ad valorem. 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 letter 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 George Kalkines at 212-466-5794. Sincerely, Roger J. Silvestri Director, National Commodity Specialist Division