The tariff classification of a necklace from China.

N257720 October 27, 2014 CLA-2-71:OT:RR:NC:N4:433 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 7117.19.9000 Debra Dudzinski Customs Compliance Analyst Crimzon Rose, Inc. 350 5th Avenue, 9th Floor New York, NY 10118 RE: The tariff classification of a necklace from China. Dear Ms. Dudzinski: In your letter dated September 22, 2014, you requested a tariff classification ruling. As requested, the sample submitted will be returned to you. Style number 477406WM is described as the “18½-Inch Necklace with 3-Inch Extender.” The necklace consists of: 2, 5-inch, base metal textured cable chains; 1, 3-inch, base metal extender chain with ball; 1, 4mm, base metal jumpring; 1, 6mm, base metal jumpring; 2, base metal clam crimps; 1, 11mm, base metal jumpring; 1, 12mm, base metal lobster claw clasp; 1, 66mm, open, round, base metal casting, drop pendant; 2, 24mm x 18mm, acrylic (plastic) peach beads; 2, 23mm x 11mm acrylic peach beads; 2, 22mm x 14mm acrylic print beads; 2, 15mm, acrylic print beads; and 6, 10mm, CCB (Copper Coated Beads). CCB are acrylic beads with a metal plating giving the appearance of metal without the weight. Company provided information indicates that the weight and cost of the base metal jewelry findings, which includes the cost of the base metal pendant, exceeds that of the acrylic imitation beads. The necklace is composed of different components (base metal and plastic), and is considered a composite good. The Explanatory Notes (ENs) to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), GRI 3 (b) (VIII), state that “the factor which determines essential character will vary between different kinds of goods. It may for example, be determined by the nature of the materials or components, its bulk, quantity, weight or value, or by the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the goods.” When the essential character of a composite good can be determined, the whole product is classified as if it consisted only of the material or component that imparts the essential character to the composite good. We recognize that the weight and cost of the base metal jewelry findings and its pendent (decorative jewelry finding) exceeds that of the weight and cost of the acrylic beads. More importantly, the pendant itself, costs and weighs more than any other single material that comprises the necklace. It is the pendant that is the center of attraction of this necklace. Accordingly, the essential character of this necklace is imparted by the base metal pendant. The applicable subheading for the “18½-Inch Necklace with 3-Inch Extender” will be 7117.19.9000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for “Imitation jewelry: Of base metal, whether or not plated with precious metal: Other: Other: Other.” The rate of duty will be 11% 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 Neil H. Levy at E-mail address: neil.h.levy@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, Gwenn Klein Kirschner Director National Commodity Specialist Division