Base
N0443252008-11-25New YorkClassification

The tariff classification of an icicle light string from China.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection · CROSS Database · 1 HTS code referenced

Cross-Source Intelligence

Primary HTS Code

9405.40.8000

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Court Cases

1 case

CIT & Federal Circuit

Ruling Age

17 years

1 related ruling

Data compiled from CBP CROSS Rulings, CourtListener (CIT/CAFC) · As of 2026-06-24 · Updates real-time

Summary

The tariff classification of an icicle light string from China.

Ruling Text

N044325 November 25, 2008 CLA-2-94:OT:RR:E:NC:1:110 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 9405.40.8000 Ms. Julie Hsia Santa’s Best Craft Ltd. 204 Spring Hill Road Trumbull, CT 06611 RE: The tariff classification of an icicle light string from China. Dear Ms. Hsia: In your letter dated November 12, 2008, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The merchandise under consideration is the 150 Miniature Light Icicle light string. From the information you provided, the light string measures approximately 14 feet in length and features a total of 150 miniature clear lights. This light string consists of a twisted pair of white insulated wire conductors branching into individual strands at 6 inch intervals resembling icicles. The individual strands are three unequal lengths incorporating 3 lights, 2 lights and 5 lights respectively. Between each set of strands is a 10 light plastic star. At one end of the light string is a fuse protected, standard male plug. Light strings are also known as electric garland. Electric garland was defined in Ruling HQ 963311 as “an article…able to be hung or displayed and is composed of a string of light bulbs which are powered by an electrical source either attached by a battery, cord, or plug.” In your ruling request you state that the light string will be imported and sold during the Christmas season. However, it does not feature a three-dimensional representation of a symbol or motif clearly associated with the holiday. The applicable subheading for the 150 Miniature Light Icicle light string will be 9405.40.8000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Lamps and lighting fittings…and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included: Other electric lamps and lighting fittings: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 3.9 percent ad valorem. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided on World Wide Web at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. 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 Thomas Campanelli at (646) 733-3016. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division

Related Rulings for HTS 9405.40.80.00

Other CBP classification decisions referencing the same tariff code.