Estee Lauder, Inc. v. United States , 815 F. Supp. 2d 1287 ( 2012 )

Slip Op - 12- 1
UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
____________________________________
:
ESTEE LAUDER, INC., :
:
Plaintiff, :
:
v. : Before: R. Kenton Musgrave, Senior Judge
: Court No. 07-00217
UNITED STATES, :
:
Defendant. :
____________________________________:
OPINION
[On cross motions for summary judgment of classification of cosmetic sets, judgment for the
plaintiff.]
Decided: January 3, 2012
Pisani & Roll, LLP (Michael E. Roll, Robert J. Pisani and Brett Ian Harris), for the plaintiff.
Tony West, Assistant Attorney General; Barbara S. Williams, Attorney-In-Charge,
International Trade Field Office, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department
of Justice (Marcella Powell), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, International Trade Litigation,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Yelena Slepak), of counsel, for the defendant.
Musgrave, Senior Judge: Plaintiff Estée Lauder, Inc. challenges U.S. Customs and
Border Protection’s (“Customs”) classification of its “Blockbuster” cosmetic sets. Proper
administrative protest procedure having been undertaken and all liquidated duties, taxes and fees
having been paid, see 19 U.S.C. §§ 1514, 1515, jurisdiction is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
§1581(a).
Court No. 07-00217 Page 2
I. Facts
Plaintiff Estée Lauder is “well known for being a makeup, skin care and fragrance
company”.1 Estée Lauder chose the makeup colors in the set at issue herein so as to have an
appealing assortment of makeup shades that work well together and to allow a consumer to create
different makeup looks. Pl’s Material Facts ¶¶ 23-4. The target customer of the “Blockbuster”
cosmetic set is the Estée Lauder customer who uses makeup. Id. ¶ 16. The sets contain makeup that
is designed to be put on by the consumer. Id. ¶ 22.
The Blockbuster sets are imported and sold in a glossy metallic gold-colored carton
dotted with snowflakes. The sets contain lipstick, lip pencil, lip gloss, eye pencil, mascara, eye
shadow, nail lacquer, blush, a cosmetic case2, a makeup brush case, cosmetic brushes and an
applicator. The cosmetic case contains the items listed above except the brushes, which are packed
separately in the makeup brush case. Both cases are packed in the gold carton. The cosmetics are
either promotional sizes or are contained in promotional packaging. Defendant’s Statement of
Undisputed Material Facts (“Def’s Material Facts”), ¶ 38.
1
Plaintiff’s Statement of Material Facts not in Dispute (“Pl’s Material Facts”), ¶ 13. Unless
otherwise noted, all facts cited in this opinion are undisputed.
2
The parties disagree what to call the zippered case which at the time of importation
contained most of the makeup articles. In this court’s opinion on the government’s motion to
dismiss the cases were referred to as “train cases” or “vanity cases”. Estée Lauder, Inc. v. United
States, 35 CIT ___ (2011), Slip Op. 11-23 at 2. Plaintiff contends the cases are “cosmetic” cases.
Defendant argues they should be denoted “travel” cases, even though it avers that the cases are “not
suitable for the transportation of the imported cosmetic articles”. Def’s Resp. to Pl’s Material Facts
¶ 47. The name applied to the cases is not material. However, for the sake of consistency, the court
denotes the cases “cosmetic cases” in this opinion.
Court No. 07-00217 Page 3
The cosmetic case contains a “vacform” plastic insert into which the makeup products
are fitted to protect the goods during shipment, as well as to allow the items to be self-displayed at
retail. Pl’s Material Facts ¶ 42. The cosmetic case is significantly larger than the cosmetics
contained therein, and conceivably could carry anything that is smaller than the case itself. Def’s
Material Facts ¶¶ 8, 40. The cosmetic case is suited for use on a flat surface, such as a table, vanity,
etc. Pl’s Material Facts ¶ 54. The case is constructed without gussets and thus is unsuited to be
opened like a handbag. Id. ¶ 56. The cosmetic case is not a piece of luggage. Def’s Material Facts
¶ 39. The case facilitates the storage and use of the cosmetics stored within the case.3 The makeup
brush case contains three brushes, and is designed to be placed in the cosmetic case after purchase.
Pl’s Material Facts ¶ 50. The makeup brush case is approximately the same size as the brushes
contained therein. Id. ¶ 64.
The sets were sold as part of the Estée Lauder Blockbuster promotional effort. The
sets were displayed in the cosmetic section of department stores. Id. ¶ 45. The sets were sold as a
“purchase with purchase” promotion, meaning that the consumer must purchase an Estée Lauder
full-price fragrance in order to qualify to purchase the Blockbuster set. Id. ¶¶ 10-11. The items’
packaging all complement each other visually as part of the Estée Lauder “Pure Color” line of
products. For example, there are gold accents on each of the items. Id. ¶¶ 28-32. None of the items
comprising the set were sold separately. Id. ¶ 8. The set was advertised as the “Makeup Artist
Professional Color Collection.” Id. ¶ 14, Def’s Exh. F (Estée Lauder Advertisement). The cost of
3
Pl’s Material Facts ¶ 48. The government’s denial of this paragraph falls flat because the
sources cited were inapposite and their objections conclusory.
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the makeup components that comprise the set is more than 50% of the material cost of the set. Pl’s
Material Facts ¶ 68.
II. Applicable Legal Standards
Proper tariff classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation
(“GRIs”) of the Harmonized Tariff System of the U.S. (“HTSUS”) and the Additional U.S. Rules
of Interpretation. Orlando Food Corp. v. United States, 140 F.3d 1437, 1439 (Fed. Cir. 1998). The
GRIs are applied in numerical order. BASF Corp. v. United States, 482 F.3d 1324, 1326 (Fed. Cir.
2007). Classification is a question of law requiring ascertainment of proper meaning in relevant
tariff provisions and determining whether the merchandise comes within the description of such
terms. Pillowtex Corp. v. United States, 171 F.3d 1370, 1373 (Fed. Cir. 1999). Interpretation of the
HTSUS begins with the language of the tariff headings and subheadings of the HTSUS and their
section and chapter notes, and may also be aided by the Explanatory Notes published by the World
Customs Organization. Trumpf Med. Sys., Inc. v. United States, 34 CIT ___, ____, 753 F. Supp.
2d 1297, 1305-1306 n. 20 (2010).
Both parties move for judgment pursuant to USCIT Rule 56, which is appropriate “if
the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the
affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party
is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” USCIT R. 56(c); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477
U.S. 317, 322 (1986). The court will grant a motion for summary judgment “if the pleadings,
discovery and disclosure materials on file, and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as
Court No. 07-00217 Page 5
to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” USCIT R. 56(c);
see Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 247-48 (1986).
At the summary judgment stage, facts must be viewed in the light most favorable to
the nonmoving party only if there is a “genuine” dispute as to those facts. Fed. Rule
Civ. Proc. 56(c). As we have emphasized, “[w]hen the moving party has carried its
burden under Rule 56(c), its opponent must do more than simply show that there is
some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts . . . . Where the record taken as a
whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the nonmoving party, there is
no ‘genuine issue for trial.’” Matsushita Elec. Industrial Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp.,
475 U.S. 574, 586-587 (1986) (footnote omitted).
Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 380 (2007).
Customs’ presumption of correctness, 28 U.S.C. § 2639(a)(1), attaches only to
Customs’ factual determinations. Universal Elecs. Inc. v. United States, 112 F.3d 488, 492 (Fed.
Cir. 1997). The proper scope and meaning of a tariff classification term is a question of law, while
whether the subject merchandise falls within a particular tariff term as properly construed is a
question of fact. Franklin v. United States, 289 F.3d 753, 757 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (citations omitted).
However, where the nature of the merchandise is undisputed, “‘the classification issue collapses
entirely into a question of law,’ and the court reviews Customs’ classification decision de novo.”
Dell Prods. LP v. United States, 34 CIT ___, 714 F. Supp. 2d 1252, 1256 (CIT 2010), aff’d 642 F.3d
1055 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (quoting Cummins Inc. v. United States, 454 F.3d 1361, 1363 (Fed. Cir.
2006)). Customs’ statutory presumption of correctness is irrelevant with regard to classification
decisions on summary judgment. Blakley Corp. v. United States, 22 CIT 635, 639, 15 F. Supp. 2d
865, 869 (1998).
Court No. 07-00217 Page 6
III. Competing Tariff Provisions
As entered, the items were classified separately under several subheadings.4 Plaintiff
contends the cosmetics should be classified as sets, under subheading 3304.20, HTSUS because the
eye makeup gives the cosmetic set its essential character. The government contends that the goods
should remain classified separately, or if the goods are classifiable as a set, the cosmetic case gives
them their essential character and so the sets should be classified under subheading 4202.12.20,
HTSUS.
The primary subheadings at issue are as follows:
3304: Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin
(other than medicaments), including sunscreen or sun tan preparations;
manicure or pedicure preparations:
3304.10: Lip make-up preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free
3304.20: Eye make-up preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free
3304.30: Manicure or pedicure preparations . . . . . . . . . . . Free
3304.91: Other
3304.91.00 Powders, whether or not compressed . . . . Free
4202: Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases, briefcases, school satchels,
spectacle cases, binocular cases, camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun
cases, holsters and similar containers; traveling bags, insulated food or
beverage bags, toiletry bags, knapsacks and backpacks, handbags, shopping
bags, wallets, purses, map cases, cigarette cases, tobacco pouches, tool bags,
sports bags, bottle cases, jewelry boxes, powder cases, cutlery cases and
similar containers, of leather or of composition leather, of sheeting of
plastics, of textile materials, of vulcanized fiber or of paperboard, or wholly
or mainly covered with such materials or with paper:
Trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, attache cases,
briefcases, school satchels and similar containers:
***
4
The various components of the sets were classified upon entry in the following HTSUS
subheadings: 3304.10 (lipstick, lip pencil, lip gloss), 3304.20 (eye pencil, mascara, eye shadow),
3304.30 (nail lacquer), 3304.91 (blush), 4202.12.20 (cosmetic case), 4202.92.45 (makeup brush
case), 9603.30.60 (cosmetic brush) and 9616.20 (applicator).
Court No. 07-00217 Page 7
4201.12: With outer surface of plastics or of textile materials:
4202.12.20: With outer surface of plastics . . . . . . . . . . 20% ad valorem
***
Other [than trunks, suitcases, etc. or articles of a kind normally carried in the pocket
or handbag]:
4202.92: With outer surface of sheeting of plastic or of textile materials:
Travel, sports and similar bags:
4202.92.45: Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% ad valorem
IV. Analysis
After considering the parties’ motions, the court finds that there are no material facts
in dispute and that the matter may be resolved summarily.5 The imported merchandise is properly
classified as a cosmetics set in subheading 3304.20, for the reasons set forth below.
A
The government argues unpersuasively that the sets should be classified as entered,
according to the classification of each individual component. “[B]ecause the merchandise at issue
is classifiable pursuant to GRI 1, the classification inquiry ends and there is no need to resort to the
remaining successive GRI’s [sic] to classify the merchandise at issue.” Def’s Mem. in Supp. of
Cross-Mot. for S.J. (“Def’s Br.”) at 7. The government’s facile reading of the GRIs would make the
terms of GRI 3(b)’s “retail sets” language inapplicable under any situation. If the government’s
argument prevailed, the court cannot think of any situation where a group of goods put up as a set
for retail sale could not be required to be classified separately “pursuant to GRI 1”. In this case the
cosmetic sets cannot be classified pursuant to GRI 1 without doing a GRI 3 analysis because no
single heading describes all the products in the cosmetic set. Review of the other GRIs in order
5
The parties’ motions for oral argument and reconsideration are therefore denied.
Court No. 07-00217 Page 8
reveals that the sets must be analyzed under GRI 3(b). Only should such classification fail would
they be classifiable individually.
The GRI 3(b) retail sets rule recognizes that imported retail sets are packaged and sold
as a unit but contain multiple components. The rule allows customs authorities and importers to
classify such sets as one item rather than as individual components. GRI 3(b) provides:
When, by application of rule 2(b) or for any other reason, goods are, prima facie,
classifiable under two or more headings, classification shall be effected as follows:
***
(b) . . . [G]oods put up in sets for retail sale, which cannot be classified by
reference to 3(a), shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component
which gives them their essential character, insofar as this criterion is applicable.
The first issue to be decided is whether the cosmetics, brushes and associated cases
together qualify as “goods put up in sets for retail sale”. The Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b) explain:
(X) For the purposes of this Rule, the term “goods put up in sets for retail sale” shall
be taken to mean goods which:
(a) consist of at least two different articles which are, prima facie, classifiable
in different headings. Therefore, for example, six fondue forks cannot be regarded
as a set within the meaning of this Rule;
(b) consist of products or articles put up together to meet a particular need or
carry out a specific activity; and
(c) are put up in a manner suitable for sale directly to users without repacking
(e.g., in boxes or cases or on boards).
Explanatory Note (X) to GRI 3(b) (2007). The parties agree that the merchandise satisfies criteria
(a) and (c). The court must therefore determine whether the goods “meet a particular need or carry
out a specific activity.” That task is aided by the following illustrative examples of sets among the
Explanatory Notes:
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Examples of sets which can be classified by reference to Rule 3 (b) are:
(1) (a) Sets consisting of a sandwich made of beef, with or without cheese, in a bun
(heading 16.02), packaged with potato chips (French fries) (heading 20.04):
Classification in heading 16.02.
(b) Sets, the components of which are intended to be used together in the
preparation of a spaghetti meal, consisting of a packet of uncooked spaghetti
(heading 19.02), a sachet of grated cheese (heading 04.06) and a small tin of
tomato sauce (heading 21.03), put up in a carton:
Classification in heading 19.02.
The Rule does not, however, cover selections of products put up together and
consisting, for example, of:
- a can of shrimps (heading 16.05), a can of paté de foie (heading 16.02), a can
of cocktail sausages (heading 16.01); or
- a bottle of spirits of heading 22.08 and a bottle of wine of heading 22.04.
In the case of these two examples and similar selections of products, each
item is to be classified separately in its own appropriate heading.
(2) Hairdressing sets consisting of a pair of electric hair clippers (heading 85.10), a
comb (heading 96.15), a pair of scissors (heading 82.13), a brush (heading 96.03) and
a towel of textile material (heading 63.02), put up in a leather case (heading 42.02):
Classification in heading 85.10.
(3) Drawing kits comprising a ruler (heading 90.17), a disc calculator (heading
90.17), a drawing compass (heading 90.17), a pencil (heading 96.09) and a
pencil-sharpener (heading 82.14), put up in a case of plastic sheeting (heading 42.02):
Classification in heading 90.17.
For the sets mentioned above, the classification is made according to the component,
or components taken together, which can be regarded as conferring on the set as a
whole its essential character.
Id.For its part, Customs has summarized the particular need/specific activity requirement
as requiring “a relationship between the articles contained in a group, and such relationship must
Court No. 07-00217 Page 10
establish that the articles are clearly intended for use together for a single purpose or activity to
comprise a set under GRI 3(b).” CBP Informed Compliance Publication, Classification of Sets
(2004) (“Sets ICP”), at 12. Customs found common themes in the Explanatory Notes examples
showing what constitutes a particular need or a specific activity.
In (1) [EN 3(b)(X)(1), the sandwich in bun packaged with potato chips, and
the spaghetti meal] and (2) [EN 3(b)(X)(2), the hairdressing set], the examples
referred to as “sets” share a common trait. The individual components in each
example are used together or in conjunction with another for a single purpose or
activity. In the “spaghetti meal” example, each component may be sold separately
and used in a variety of recipes. However, sold together they are clearly intended to
be used together for the specific purpose of preparing a single dish. Similarly, the
“hairdressing set” is comprised of various articles that may be sold individually for
many purposes. However, taken together they are designed to be used together for a
single activity.
On the other hand, (1) [EN 3(b)(X)(1)] contains two examples where articles
put up together are not regarded as ‘sets,’ despite the fact that they are related to one
another and can be used at the same time. In the ‘canned goods’ example, each can
is related by the fact that they all contain food. In addition, it is possible to serve them
on the same occasion. One could argue that they meet the specific need of ‘eating a
meal.’ However, they do not interact with one another so as to comprise a single dish.
Therefore, they do not comprise a set.
In the ‘spirits’ example, the two articles are related as they both contain
alcohol. Moreover, the wine and liquor may be served together at dinner or at a party.
It is possible to argue that they have been packaged together for the specific activity
of ‘social drinking.’ However, they are not used in conjunction with one another so
as to be suitable for a single drink or for use on a specific occasion. Hence, they are
not classified as a set.
Sets ICP, at 11-12, citing, HQ 953472, dated March 21, 1994 (emphasis added). The Sets ICP
summarizes the rule as follows: “for goods put up together to meet the ‘particular need’ or ‘specific
activity’ requirement and thereby be deemed a set, they must be so related as to be clearly intended
for use together or in conjunction with one another for a single purpose or activity.” Sets ICP, at 12.
This analysis expounds on the meaning of the terms “particular need” or “specific activity” for
Court No. 07-00217 Page 11
purposes of GRI 3(b) based upon inferences drawn from the examples given in the Explanatory
Notes and is persuasive.
Indeed, the Explanatory Notes examples and Customs’ Sets ICP are helpful and
convincing. The parties agree that the components of the Blockbuster set were put together to be
sold to customers who would use the makeup in the sets to create different makeup looks. The
particular need or specific activity the set is designed for is that of putting on makeup, and the
included items are either makeup, tools for applying makeup, or their containers. They are intended
for use together or in conjunction with one another for the single purpose or activity of putting on
makeup. Each item by itself has an identifiable individual use like the items in the hairdressing and
drawing kit examples given in the Explanatory Notes. They are intended to work together to meet
the particular need or specific activity of applying makeup. The cosmetic sets are therefore “retail
sets” pursuant to GRI 3(b).
B
Having found the merchandise constitutes retail sets covered by GRI 3(b), the court
must next determine which item gives the set its essential character. The Explanatory Notes state
“[t]he factor which determines essential character will vary as between different kinds of goods. It
may, for example, be determined by the nature of the material or component, its bulk, quantity,
weight or value, or by the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the goods.”
Explanatory Note (VIII) to GRI 3(b) (2007).
Once again, the Explanatory Notes examples provide helpful guidance. “[T]he
classification is made according to the . . . components taken together, which can be regarded as
Court No. 07-00217 Page 12
conferring on the set as a whole its essential character.” Explanatory Note (X) to GRI 3(b). The
EN’s hairdressing and drawing kit examples each contained a variety of goods which performed the
particular need the set was designed to address. The hairdressing kit was classified under the
heading appropriate for the included electric hair clippers, while the drawing kit was classified under
the heading appropriate to three of the included drawing tools.
Here, it is obvious that the essential character of the Blockbuster cosmetic set derives
from the makeup components of the set, no fewer than eight of which are classified in Heading 3304,
HTSUS. The role of the makeup components is essential to the use of the goods. Without makeup,
a purchaser could not meet the particular need of putting on makeup. The makeup components
comprise more than 50% of the value of the sets, and their nature as well as their role in relation to
the overall use of the set confer the essential character of the cosmetic sets.
C
The court must next consider which of the set’s makeup items classifiable within
Heading 3304 should provide the subheading classification for the entire cosmetic set. Per GRI 6,
classification at the subheading level uses the same rules, mutatis mutandis, as classification at the
heading level. Therefore, we come again to GRI 3(b) to determine which one of the makeup items
provides the essential character of the group of makeup items included in the cosmetic sets. Each
of the various makeup types (eye, lip, face and nail) could conceivably provide the essential character
to the makeup collection. Among those, the eye and lip makeup predominate by number, and as
between the two, although there was conflicting evidence on the actual cost of the makeup items,
the entry papers show that the eye makeups cost significantly more than the lip makeups. The other
Court No. 07-00217 Page 13
cost evidence in the record corroborated this relationship. Therefore, the court concludes that the
set should be classified according to the subheading for eye makeup.
D
The parties disagree whether the carrying case, and to a lesser extent the brush case,
should affect the classification of the cosmetic set. Plaintiff contends that the cases should not
impact the classification of the set because the cosmetic case is suitable for the storage, protection
and transportation of the cosmetic components under normal use. “Because the Blockbuster
cosmetic case facilitates the transportation, storage and use of the cosmetics and other components
contained within and for which it was designed, marketed and sold, it helps carry out the specific
activity of applying make-up together with its contents.” Pl’s Memo in Opp. To Def’s Br., at 30-31
(citations omitted).
The government argues against GRI 3(b) sets classification because the items in the
set, especially the cosmetic case, do not meet the “particular need or carry out a specific activity”
criterion cited in the Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b). Def’s Br. at 10. Assuming arguendo that the
set is classifiable pursuant to GRI Rule 3(b), defendant argues strenuously that the “travel case”
should control the classification, because it gives the set its essential character.
The travel case predominates in bulk and weight over all other imported components.
The travel case is also the largest component and its cost is the component that has
the highest cost. The travel case is also the most visual component of the Blockbuster
and due to its size, the travel case provides a means for the articles to be
self-merchandising. Consequently, the travel case imparts the essential character of
the Blockbuster.6
6
Def’s Br. at 26. The costs alleged in the government’s argument are not undisputed and
the source cited by the government contradicts the values declared upon entry. That source stated
(continued...)
Court No. 07-00217 Page 14
Once again, the examples given in the Explanatory Note to GRI 3(b) provide
guidance. In the hairdressing example, the set was packaged in a leather case. In the drawing
example, the kit was packaged in a case of plastic sheeting. There, as here, the cases were
classifiable separately in Heading 4202. But the essential character of the sets were given by the
functional items included in the sets. Thus, where the essential character of the cosmetic set is given
by the makeup components, the fact that the set is imported in a container that could be separately
classifiable does not prevent the classification of the set as such. The cosmetic case’s relative
weight, bulk, or size does not overcome the fact that its purpose is to facilitate the storage and use
of the items that enable the set to fulfill the specific activity (applying makeup) that makes it a set.
See infra.
E
The government argues that the cosmetic case in this instance “lacks the physical
characteristics necessary to allow it to interact with the cosmetic components to carry out the specific
activity of applying makeup” and that the goods are not a set because “there are no loops or
compartments to hold and organize the items, nor a built-in mirror to use for the purpose of applying
makeup.” Def’s Br. at 11. Further, the government argues, “Customs’ interpretation and application
of GRI 3(b) and the criteria set forth in Explanatory Note (X) to the merchandise at issue should be
6
(...continued)
that the makeup components together cost 60% more than the case. Id., citing Goulding Decl., ¶ 31
(confidential). The parties agree that the makeup components comprise more than half the overall
cost of the set. Pl’s Material Facts ¶ 68.
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accorded weight as they are entirely consistent with Customs’ views as expressed in its body of prior
rulings.” Id. at 15.
Customs’ position on the issue must be evaluated according to Skidmore v. Swift &
Co., 323 U.S. 134 (1944):
The weight [accorded to an administrative] judgment in a particular case will depend
upon the thoroughness evident in its consideration, the validity of its reasoning, its
consistency with earlier and later pronouncements, and all those factors which give
it power to persuade, if lacking power to control.
United States v. Mead Corp., 533 US 218, 228 (2001), quoting Skidmore, 323 U.S. at 140. Review
of the statute in question, along with the Explanatory Notes, reveals fundamental flaws in Customs’
analysis of this issue and inconsistent application of it, thus eliminating its persuasiveness. For the
reasons set forth below, the court declines the government’s invitation to follow Customs’ views and
accords the Customs rulings on this issue no weight.
Customs’ analysis conflates the GRI 3(b) requirements for composite goods (i.e.,
whether the items are “mutually complementary” or “adapted to one another”), with the requirements
for the GRI 3(b) retail sets analysis (do the goods “meet a particular need” or “carry out a specific
activity”?). See Explanatory Notes (IX) and (X) to GRI 3(b). In HQ 957707, Customs stated that
“[t]he case and cosmetic components are not mutually complementary, not adapted to one another,
and are not put up to meet a particular need or carry out a specific activity[; t]hus, the goods do not
comprise a set.” HQ 957707, dated June 26, 1995, cited in Def’s Br. at 15. Requiring set goods to
be mutually complementary or adapted to one another effectively joins the Explanatory Notes
requirements for composite goods to the Explanatory Notes describing retail sets. This conflation
of requirements is unsupported in the statute or the Explanatory Notes. Although it is true that courts
Court No. 07-00217 Page 16
may follow the “well-reasoned views of the agencies implementing a statute,” Mead, 533 U.S. at
227, citing Bragdon v. Abbott, 524 U.S. 624, 642 (1998), the above rationale is not well reasoned.
This flawed analysis has been bootstrapped into a line of rulings that rely largely on
Customs’ own reasoning but little on the statute or Explanatory Notes. For example, HQ 966719,
dated June 9, 2004, classified a cosmetic set imported in a briefcase made of PVC sheeting. In
determining whether the goods constituted a set for purposes of GRI 3(b), Customs stated
categorically that “cosmetic products imported in substantial, reusable cosmetics bags, do not form
composite goods[;] . . . the cosmetic products and container were not mutually complementary and
not adapted to [be] used together.” HQ 966719, citing HQ 963593, dated October 15, 2001. The
court cannot fathom why an entire line of products should be categorically prevented from being
classified as sets simply because their container is reusable.
There are two different classes of GRI 3(b) merchandise, with two separate and
distinct requirements. Cf., EN Rule 3(b)(VI)(ii) and (iii) (composite goods consisting of different
materials or components) with EN Rule 3(b)(VI)(iv) (goods put up in sets for retail sale). GRI 3(b)
retail sets are defined as those that “meet a particular need” or “carry out a specific activity.” EN (X)
to GRI 3(b). Composite goods are not retail sets, although both are classified according to their
essential character. Customs has routinely rejected the GRI 3(b) classification of cosmetic sets like
those at issue here based upon a fatally flawed analysis. The government’s argument relying on the
same flawed “conflation” analysis is rejected.
Court No. 07-00217 Page 17
F
The government argues that the Blockbuster cosmetics set cannot be classified as a
GRI 3(b) set because the included case is too large to closely carry all the items in the set. Def’s Br.
at 11. There is nothing in the statute, however, that requires a set container to be closely fitted to its
contents.
Strictly speaking, the statute simply requires that sets be classified according to the
heading of the good that gives them their essential character. The Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b)
provide three requirements for sets, described supra. The only Explanatory Note requirement that
could justify Customs’ position on the relative size of set containers requires that a set’s contents
“meet a particular need” or “carry out a specific activity.” Yet, the Sets ICP summarizes Customs’
rulings in this area as follows:
If Customs determines that a holder or container included with other articles is
specifically designed to hold or contain those articles, such a determination will
support the further conclusion that the articles and the holder or container are
intended to be used together, or in conjunction with one another, to meet a
particular need or carry out a specific activity. Characteristics used in determining
whether a holder or container is specifically designed to hold or contain the other
articles of a claimed set include a comparison between the articles and their holder
or container of size, shape, construction, color combination, use, etc. The burden will
be on the importer to provide evidence of design characteristics which link the
articles to the holder or container. The holder or container need not be form-fitted or
otherwise dedicated specifically to holding or carrying the articles imported with it,
but it must be a particularly appropriate container and its capacity not appreciably
larger than that required to hold or carry the accompanying articles.
CBP, Sets ICP, at 15 (emphasis in original). The Sets ICP thus concludes that a container must be
“specifically designed to hold” and “intended to be used together” to form a GRI 3(b) set. These
requirements are not based on the statutory text, but appear to be derived from Customs rulings
Court No. 07-00217 Page 18
relying on the flawed “conflation” analysis described above. See Explanatory Note (IX) to GRI
3(b) (composite goods must be “adapted to one another” and “mutually complementary”).
Customs’ restriction of the size of set containers to only those that are “not
appreciably larger” than their contents also lacks a rational basis in the language of the statute or the
Explanatory Notes. More precisely, Customs’ position that a container’s size cannot be “appreciably
larger” than its contents has no foundation in the GRI 3(b) requirement, as illuminated by the
Explanatory Notes, that sets meet a particular need or carry out a specific activity. Further, Customs’
disapproval of containers that are “appreciably” larger than the set items they are intended to hold
provides no practical guidance. “Appreciable” is defined as something that is “capable of being
estimated, weighed, judged of, or recognized by the mind,” or “capable of being recognized by the
senses, perceptible, sensible.” Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed. 1989). It is something that is
“possible to estimate, measure, or perceive.” American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
(4th ed. 2000). Any container may be found “appreciably” larger than its contents otherwise the
contents would not fit. Thus the persuasiveness of Customs’ position that there should be a per se
size restriction on set containers is eliminated.
The statute itself provides the reasonable solution to the set-container conundrum.
GRI 3(b) provides that a set is classified according to the heading of the good that provides its
essential character. If a set container provides the set with its essential character, then the entire set
should be classified under the heading for the container. If not, then the set should be classified
according to that other item that provides the essential character. Employing the traditional essential
character analysis, i.e., reviewing “the nature of the [good], its bulk, quantity, weight or value, or by
Court No. 07-00217 Page 19
the role of a constituent [good] in relation to the use of the goods,” resolves the issue. See
Explanatory Note (VIII) to GRI 3(b). For example, in the instant action the essential character of
the set is given by the makeup components rather than the cosmetic case.7
This analysis is supported by a review of the Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b).
Explanatory Note (X) provides two illustrative examples that include containers classifiable in
Heading 4202. One container is described as a leather case, the other is a case of plastic sheeting.
There is no indication from the examples that the size of the container relative to its contents should
be a determining factor in determining whether a set exists. The Note simply explains that the sets
should be classified according to the component that provides the essential character to the set.
Customs’ restrictive interpretation has resulted in the arbitrary application of what
could (or should) be a relatively simple rule. Two examples cited in the Sets ICP demonstrate the
inconsistency of Customs’ analysis. In HQ 084717, dated September 13, 1989, Customs found that
assorted tools and electrical items imported in a steel tool box formed a set under GRI 3(b), even
where the tool box included additional space for storage of tools not included with the set. Customs
stated:
The tool box/cabinet provides convenient storage for the electrician/mechanic. The
latching feature and the handle[ ] allow an individual to carry the tool box anywhere
he or she may require the use of its contents, whether it be within the home or
elsewhere. It is apparent that the subject articles are put up together to meet a
particular need and carry out a specific activity. That activity consists of
electrical/mechanical work.
7
The opposite result could hypothetically occur should a high-value cosmetic case be
imported with only one or two inexpensive makeup items. In that case, the set could have the
purpose of putting on makeup but the case would provide the essential character of the set.
Court No. 07-00217 Page 20
However, shortly thereafter in HQ 082213, dated February 13, 1990, Customs held
that a drain cleaning system stored in a tool box was not classifiable as a set. Customs reasoned:
The components packed inside the tool box are put together to carry out a specific
activity, i.e., to use water pressure from the faucet to clear sink drains that are
blocked. However, the tool box does not contribute to this activity. While the tool
box functions as a container for the drain cleaning system, it can also be used for
holding other items. This is so because the size of the tool box is larger than would
be necessary to serve only as a holder for the drain cleaning system.
Customs’ Sets ICP fails to explain why the extra room in the electrical tool box was
not excessive but the extra room in the drain cleaning tool box was. The arbitrary application of
Customs’ size rationale to what are apparently similar items without explanation detracts from the
rulings’ and the Sets ICP’s power to persuade. It certainly does appear however, as plaintiff
contends, that “Customs’ analysis of GRI 3(b) sets has hardly been a model of consistency or
clarity.” Pl’s Memo in Opposition to Def’s Br., at 25.
The court therefore declines to adopt Customs’ position that the size of a set container
can by itself negate a set’s qualification under GRI 3(b), especially where that position arises from
a flawed analysis and application of the “rule” therefrom has been inconsistent and arbitrary.
V. Conclusion
By application of GRI 1 and 3, the court finds that the Blockbuster cosmetic set is
“put up . . . for retail sale” as those terms are used in GRI 3(b) because the items packaged in the set
meet the particular need of putting on makeup. The court finds that the makeup contained in the
set gives it its essential character. Under GRIs 1, 3(b) and 6, the court concludes that classification
of the entire set is proper under subheading 3304.20.00.
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Judgment will therefore enter in favor of the plaintiff.
/s/ R. Kenton Musgrave
R. Kenton Musgrave, Senior Judge
Dated: January 3, 2012
New York, New York