The tariff classification of a key ring from China

N072821 August 27, 2009 CLA-2-79:OT:RR:NC:N1:113 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7907.00.6000 Ms. Kelly Marie Halloran Access Business Group International LLC 7575 Fulton Street East Ada, MI 49355 RE: The tariff classification of a key ring from China Dear Ms. Halloran: In your letter dated August 18, 2009, you requested a tariff classification ruling. A sample of the key ring was submitted for our review. The merchandise is identified as the Live, Love, Laugh Crystal Key Chain, SKU number 74-734200000. The Live, Love, Laugh Crystal Key Chain is used to hold keys. The silver-plated article consists of an etched zinc disc attached by a four link steel chain to a semi-circular brass rod with a ball closure on each end. One ball is permanently attached to the end of the rod. The other ball screws onto the end to hold keys onto the rod. Each ball closure has a single crystal embedded in the end. The disc is etched with the words “Live, Laugh, Love” and features crystals embedded around the outside of the disc. You proposed classification for the Live, Love, Laugh Crystal Key Chain under heading 7326, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for other articles of iron or steel. As stated in Section XV, Note 7, “Except where the headings otherwise require, articles of base metal (including articles of mixed materials treated as articles of base metal under the General Rules of Interpretation) containing two or more base metals are to be treated as articles of the base metal predominating by weight over each of the other metals.” When classifying an article made of two or more different metals, there is no determination of essential character. Principal weight is the sole determining factor. As indicated in your letter, the base metal predominating by weight over each of the other metals in the Live, Love, Laugh Crystal Key Chain is zinc. Therefore, the subject articles will be classified as articles of zinc in heading 7907, HTSUS. The applicable subheading for the key ring will be 7907.00.6000, HTSUS, which provides for other articles of zinc, other. The rate of duty will be 3 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 Ann Taub at 646-733-3018. Sincerely, Robert B. Swierupski Director National Commodity Specialist Division