Springs Creative Prods. Grp. v. United States

Slip Op.
UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SPRINGS CREATIVE PRODUCTS
GROUP,
Plaintiff,
Richard W. Goldberg, Senior Judge
v. Court No. 10-00067
UNITED STATES,
Defendant.
OPINION AND ORDER
[Judgment for Plaintiff.]
Dated: August 16, 2013
Robert J. Leo and Ralph H. Sheppard, Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP of New York,
NY, argued for plaintiff.
Amy M. Rubin, International Trade Field Office, U.S. Department of Justice, of New York, NY,
argued for defendant.
Goldberg, Senior Judge: Plaintiff Springs Creative Products Group (“SCPG”) challenges
the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection’s (“Customs” or “CBP”)
classification of its Make-it-Yourself Fleece Throw Kits under Subheading 6001.22.00 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”), 19 U.S.C. § 1202 (2006). The
evidence at trial supports a conclusion that the subject merchandise is properly classified under
Court No. 10-00067 Page 2
HTSUS 9503.00.00.1 Based upon the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law below, the court
enters final judgment in favor of SCPG.
BACKGROUND
SCPG imports Make-it-Yourself No-Sew Fleece Throw Kits (“the imported
merchandise,” “NSF throw kits” or “kits”). These kits contain all the material needed to make a
finished fleece throw and the instructions on how to assemble the throw. The two entries at issue
in this case were imported in 2009 through the Port of Charlotte, North Carolina. Customs
classified the entries as fabric under subheading 6001.22.00, which provides:
6001 Pile fabrics, including “long pile” fabrics and terry fabrics, knitted or
crocheted: [. . . .]
Looped pile fabrics:
6001.22.00: Of man-made fibers . . . 17.2%
6001.22.00 HTSUS. Accordingly, Customs assessed a tariff of 17.2 percent ad valorem.
Plaintiff protested the classification of the subject merchandise, asserting that Customs should
have classified the merchandise under subheading 9503.00.00, HTSUS, which provides:
9503.00.00 Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls’
carriages; dolls, other toys; reduced-scale (“scale”) models and similar
recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds; parts and accessories
thereof . . .
This subheading has a corresponding duty rate of zero percent ad valorem. Customs denied
SCPG’s protest.
1
All references to the HTSUS provisions are 2009.
Court No. 10-00067 Page 3
Upon denial of its protest, SCPG appealed to this Court, seeking reliquidation of the
entries under 9503.00.00 and a full refund of duties paid, as well as interest as provided by law.
In the alternative, SCPG contends the throw-kits are classifiable as “other made up articles”
under HTSUS 6307.90.9889, which carries an ad valorem duty rate of 7 percent. The court held
a bench trial on September 12, 2012. The court enters judgment for SCPG pursuant to the
following Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
Customs classification rulings are usually accorded deference based on their “power to
persuade.” See United States v. Mead Corp. 533 U.S. 218, 219–20 (2001); Skidmore v. Swift &
Co., 323 U.S. 134 (1944). The degree of deference depends on the thoroughness evident in the
classification ruling; the validity of the reasoning that led to the classification; consistency of the
classification with earlier and later pronouncements; the formality with which the particular
ruling was established; and other factors that supply power to persuade. See Skidmore, 323 U.S.
at 140.
However, in this case, Customs summarily denied SCPG’s protests of the classification
without issuing an official ruling. Therefore, the Court will consider the parties’ arguments
without deference. See Hartog Foods Int’l, Inc. v. United States, 291 F.3d 789, 791 (Fed. Cir.
2002) (noting that, because Customs denied the protest without an official ruling, the court
extends no Skidmore deference and considers the parties’ arguments without deference)
Court No. 10-00067 Page 4
FINDINGS OF FACT
A. Facts Uncontested by the Parties and Agreed to in the Pretrial Order
1. This action involves a challenge to the denial of protest number 1512-09-100144 by
Customs.
2. SCPG timely filed the administrative protests underlying this action and paid all
liquidated duties and fees on the entries in issue.
3. Protest number 1512-09-100144 encompasses import entry numbers 231-6452930-0 and
231-6452927-6 made through the Port of Charlotte, North Carolina in September 2009.
4. The merchandise at issue in this action consists of SCPG’s NSF throw kits.
5. Customs classified the imported merchandise as “pile fabrics . . . Looped pile fabrics: of
man-made fibers,” under subheading 6001.22.00, HTSUS, with a duty rate of 17.2
percent ad valorem.
6. SCPG contends that the imported merchandise is classifiable as “other toys” under
subheading 9503.00.00, HTSUS, which is duty free.
7. Alternatively, SCPG claims that the imported merchandise is classifiable as “other made-
up articles” under subheading 6307.90.98, HTSUS.
8. The subject NSF throw kits are imported already packaged and ready for retail sale.
9. Except for a pair of scissors, each NSF throw kit contains all of the materials needed to
make a finished fleece throw blanket.
10. Each of the subject NSF throw kits contains one 48” by 60” solid color panel of polyester
fleece printed panel.
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11. Each of the subject NSF throw kits also contains one 48” by 60” polyester fleece printed
panel.
12. Most of the printed panels in the imported kits depict a character or figure from a cartoon,
comic book, children’s book or children’s movie.
13. The protested entries cover the following NSF throw kits: Entry Number 231-6452930-0:
“Curious George Banana Yellow Hat,” “Princess Castle,” “Tink Pixie,” “Spider-Man”
(two versions), “Sponge Bob,” “Tink Butterfly,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Cars,” and
“Princess Frog”; Entry Number 231-6452927-6: “JD [John Deere] Tractors in Pink
Paisley.”
14. At importation into the United States, SCPG packages the NSF throw kits with a
cardboard belly band wrapped around the package and a small plastic carrying handle at
the top.
15. The front of the packaging includes an image of the licensed character and design
depicted on the printed panel.
16. The front of the packaging also states “ages 5+” and “CAUTION: Adult supervision
required when cutting fabric.”
17. The fabric in the NSF throw kits can be machine washed and machine dried.
18. Instructions for making the NSF throw kits are printed directly on the product packaging
as follows:
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Instructions
Step 1: Cut!
Layer printed panel on top
of solid panel, wrong sides together. Cut
a square out of both layers at each corner
along printed cutting lines.
Step 2: Fringe!
Create fringe by cutting along printed lines
through both layers around all four sides.
Step 3: Tie!
Join fabric layers by knotting the fringe
together, using one strip from the
printed panel and its corresponding
strip from the solid panel.
B. Facts Established At Trial
1. The kits include two fabric panels: a 48” by 60” polyester fleece printed panel (featuring
a print or an image of a licensed design or character) and a solid colored fabric panel of
the same type of fleece fabric and of equal size. Trial Transcript (“Tr.”) 6, Sept. 12,
2012. One panel is pre-printed with measured cutting lines, which compose the “pattern”
for cutting the fringes. Tr. 153 (testimony of National Import Specialist (“NIS”) M.
Dunajski).
2. Consumers assemble the NSF throw kits into finished throws that measure 43” x 55,”
excluding the fringe, and 48” x 60,” including the fringe. Samples; Tr. 16; Plaintiff’s
Exhibit (“Pl.’s Ex. ”) 12 at 167; Pl.’s Ex. 11 at 123.
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3. Most NSF throw kits have prints of licensed characters (Spider Man, Curious George,
etc.) related to children’s media. Tr. 8, 20, 32, 92.
4. SCPG designed and intended the NSF kits to be assembled primarily by children ages
five and older or by children and adults together. Tr. 12, 31, 70–71, 89, 90, 92.
5. As imported, the fleece panels’ edges will not unravel due to the heat set process
performed on the fleece prior to importation and after the fleece is printed. Tr. 21–22.
6. The price of the NSF throw kits ranges from $16.44 to $27.99. The price of a
comparable finished fleece throw ranges from $8 to $15. Therefore, the court finds that
the ultimate purchaser pays a price premium for the NSF throw kit, compared to the price
of a finished throw or similar quality fleece material. See Tr. 27–28, 31, 91.
7. SCPG markets the NSF throw kits with images and videos of a parent (or adult) and child
having fun while assembling the throw together. Tr. 12, 31, 88, 89.
8. The NSF kits at issue here are designed for someone with a low skill level and adults may
use them to introduce a child to crafts. Tr. 10, 18, 19, 30, 64, 82, 91.
9. The NSF kits promote the development and education of young children by helping a
child develop skills such as manual dexterity, cutting, tying, and counting. Tr. 18, 19, 70,
71.
10. The NSF kits give children and adults a sense of pride in their accomplishment when they
complete the throw. Tr. 18, 19, 70, 71.
11. The durability of the completed NSF throw depends on the skill level of the person
cutting and tying the knots. Tr. 23, 64, 72.
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12. The retailers choose where to display the NSF kits. Tr. 26, 103.
13. Customers recognize that the NSF kits are not finished throws, but that they contain all of
the material necessary to assemble a completed throw. Tr. 12, 22, 31, 41.
14. The fleece in the products at issue is a loop pile fabric. Tr. 144; invoices in entry papers.
15. Inspection of the samples reveals that the edges of the fleece panels are not hemmed or
otherwise worked.
16. All of SCPG’s NSF throw kits are identical in composition and construction and are also
identical in how they are used to create a finished throw. The only difference is in the
image appearing on the printed fabrics and the color scheme. Tr. 49–50, 102–03.
17. In addition to the NSF throw kits, SCPG sells bolts of fabric that depict licensed
characters from children’s media, including the characters depicted on the products at
issue. Tr. 55–58; Government Exhibit B (“Gov’t Ex.”).
18. The process of assembling SCPG’s NSF throw kits is always the same. The only variable
is that the user can determine how the knots are tied. Tr. 71–72.
19. Children have fun assembling the fleece throws. See Tr. 88–90 (testimony of Theresa
Lynn Thom that her daughter enjoyed putting together the fleece throws, that she liked it
so much that she “made them for her whole kindergarten class that year for Christmas,
eighteen of them,” and that she has gone on from that simple craft activity to making
jewelry and more complicated crafts as a teenager).
20. Government witness NIS James Forkan is responsible for classifying goods under
Chapter 95, HTSUS, including toys, games and sporting goods. Tr. 165:2–5.
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21. In determining whether a product is classifiable as a toy, Customs considers whether the
product is principally designed for amusement. Customs applies this test regardless of
whether the product is described as a toy, a craft kit, or something else. Tr. 175:16–20.
22. NIS Forkan has personally classified several craft kits as toys. Tr. 171. In each case, NIS
Forkan classified the kits as “toys” following a determination that they were principally
designed for amusement more than for utilitarian value. Tr 172:10–14.
23. In New York Ruling N044840 (Dec. 5, 2008), Customs classified a product called “My
Super-Knot-a-Quilt” under the “toy” provision, expressly noting that it classified the kit
in that provision because “[t]he kit’s amusement value is greater than the utilitarian value
of the constructed quilt.” At trial, NIS Forkan, the author of this ruling, explained that the
kit came with a lot of fabric squares in various colors and, in using that kit, the child
could lay out the pieces in whatever pattern he or she wanted and also create a tassel
and/or affix decorations onto the assembled quilt. Government’s Exhibit J confirms NIS
Forkan’s description of the “My Super-Knot-a-Quilt” kit. Moreover, the reviews attached
to this exhibit describe the fabric in the kit with such terms as “flimsy,” “not warm,”
“paper thin,” “low quality,” “not satisfactory,” and “not durable.”
24. At trial, the parties discussed other craft kits that Customs has classified as toys. For
example, the Government presented testimony regarding the products at issue in New
York Ruling L88404 (Oct. 27, 2005) (Rose Art Weaving Loom) (Pl.’s Ex. 18; Gov’t Ex.
M). SCPG’s witness, Ms. Short, described the process by which consumers used this kit
to create potholders. She noted that she had personally used the kit many years earlier and
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she testified that, in using the kit, the pieces could be arranged in any manner she chose
and that she learned the basics of weaving from using the kit. Tr. 112–13. She also states
that she gave the finished product to her mother, but she did not know if it protected her
mother’s hands from hot pots. Tr. 113–14. NIS Forkan testified that he was involved in
classifying the merchandise and reviewed a sample of the potholder kit. NIS Forkan
determined that the amusement value of creating the potholders was greater than the
utility of the finished potholders because the user have the freedom to choose whatever
colors or pattern he or she liked. Also, the consumer was unlikely to use the end product
as a potholder because the material was flimsy and a person using the finished product as
a potholder would likely get burned. Tr. 172–73.
25. NIS Forkan also described “catwalk creation,” another craft kit that he had classified as a
toy. The components of this kit included a miniature plastic mannequin or dress form,
fabric squares, ribbons, and sequins. The user (presumably a child) would pretend to be a
fashion designer and create fashion items for miniature doll figures by selecting different
color fabrics and wrapping them around the mannequin as tops and bottoms and ribbons
and sequins could also be added, if desired. Tr. 172–73.
26. Two of the principal purchasers of SCPG’s NSF throw kits are Walmart and Jo-Ann
Fabric and Craft Stores. Tr. 97.
27. After reviewing the product packaging (including the assembly instructions), the product
samples, the advertisements, the testimony, and the videos produced as trial exhibits, the
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evidence establishes that the ultimate purchaser would expect to spend at least an hour to
assemble the throw.
28. Inspection of the product samples reveals that the fleece panels included in the subject
merchandise, by themselves, are not thick enough to be considered a fleece throw or
blanket, but the consumer could use them as a piece of fleece fabric.
29. Comparison of the fleece panels included in the subject merchandise kits with other trial
exhibits of ready-made fleece throws reveals that the fleece panels are generally of a
lower quality––they are lighter or more flimsy and not as soft as the fleece throws sold
ready-made.
30. If any of these Findings of Fact are more properly denominated Conclusions of Law they
shall be deemed to be so.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. The court has jurisdiction over this dispute pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a). Plaintiff
timely commenced this action within 180 days of Customs’ denial of its protest, and
timely paid all liquidated duties and charges.
2. The Court has a duty to find the correct classification of the subject merchandise. Jarvis
Clark Co. v. United States, 733 F.2d 873, 878 (Fed. Cir. 1984). To fulfill this duty, the
Court uses a two-step process to classify the imported merchandise. Sports Graphics,
Inc. v. United States, 24 F.3d 1390, 1391 (Fed. Cir. 1994). First, the Court ascertains the
meaning of the terms in the tariff provision, which is a question of law. Deckers Corp. v.
United States, 532 F.3d 1312, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2008). Second, the Court makes a
Court No. 10-00067 Page 12
determination of whether the merchandise falls within the description of those properly
construed terms which is a question of fact. Id.
3. The meaning of a tariff term, a matter of statutory interpretation, is a question of law.
Mead Corp., 185 F.3d at 1306 (Fed. Cir. 1999). The Court does not give Chevron2
deference to a Customs classification ruling that implicitly interprets an HTSUS
provision. Id. at 1306–08. Instead, the “court construes a tariff term according to its
common and commercial meanings, which it presumes are the same.” Id. at 1308. The
Court may consult “dictionaries, scientific authorities, and other reliable information
sources” to determine a tariff term’s common meaning. Id.
4. Customs’ classification decisions are presumed to be correct, and SCPG has the burden
of proving otherwise. See 28 U.S.C. § 2639(a)(1). Plaintiff must prove by a
preponderance of the evidence that a Customs classification decision is incorrect.
Universal Elecs. Inc. v. United States, 112 F.3d 488, 492 (Fed. Cir. 1997).
5. To succeed in its classification claim, SCPG must prove, by a preponderance of the
evidence, that CBP’s classification under HTSUS subheading 6001.22.00 is incorrect and
that classification under HTSUS subheading 9503.00.00 or an alternative provision is
correct. See Fabil Mfg. Co. v. United States, 237 F.3d 1335, 1340–41 (Fed. Cir. 2001).
6. The elements of proof for classification under HTSUS heading 9503 can be summarized
as follows:
2
Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 843 (1984) (“[I]f the statute is
silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue, the question for the court is whether the agency’s answer is
based on a permissible construction of the statute.”).
Court No. 10-00067 Page 13
(1) the goods are classifiable under heading 9503;
(2) If also determined to be classifiable under subheading 6001 or some other provision
in HTSUS Section XI, HTSUS section XI Note 1(t) expressly provides that such section
“does not cover . . . [a]rticles of chapter 95 (for example, toys . . .”).
7. Classification of goods under the HTSUS is made in accordance with the General Rules
of Interpretation (“GRIs”) and the Additional U.S. Rules of Interpretation (“ARIs”). In
relevant part, GRI 1 instructs that “classification shall be determined according to the
terms of the headings [of the tariff schedule] and any relative section or chapter notes
and, provided such headings or notes do not otherwise require, according to [the
subordinate GRIs].”
8. The scope of goods classified under heading 9503 is broad. Although certain items
classified in this provision are eo nomine3 provided for, classification under the residual
provision of 9503.00.00 (“other toys”) does not carry specific eo nomine designations of
what an “other toy” is. Consequently, judicial decisions, HTSUS Explanatory Notes
(“EN”), and customs rulings have delineated the scope of goods classified under heading
9503.
9. The EN for heading 9503, EN 95.03 states, in relevant part, that the scope of “other toys”
is:
(D) Other toys
This group covers toys intended essentially for the amusement of persons
(children or adults). However, toys which, on account of their design, shape, or
constituent material, are identifiable as intended exclusively for animals, e.g., pets, do not
3
Unlike principal and actual use provisions, which classify goods by use, “[a]n eo nomine classification
provision is one which describes a commodity by a specific name.” Clarendon Mktg., Inc. v. United States, 144
F.3d. 1464, 1467 (Fed. Cir.1998).
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fall in this heading, but are classified in their own appropriate heading. This group
includes:
All toys not included in (A) to (C). Many of the toys are mechanically or electrically
operated.
These include:
(iii) Constructional toys (construction sets, building blocks, etc.)
…
(xviii) Educational Toys (e.g., toy chemistry, printing, sewing and knitting
sets).
…
Collections of articles, the individual items of which if presented separately
would be classified in other headings in the Nomenclature, are classified in
this heading when they are put up in a form clearly indicating their use as
toys (e.g., instructional toys such as chemistry, sewing, etc., sets).
(emphasis added).
10. EN 95.03 states that “[c]ollections of articles, the individual items of which if presented
separately would be classified in other headings in the Nomenclature, are classified in
this heading when they are put up in a form clearly indicating their use as toys (e.g.,
instructional toys such as chemistry, sewing, etc., set).” (emphasis added). Thus, the
court considers the form the good is sold in and whether that form clearly indicates its use
as a toy, even if the “individual items of” the kit may be classifiable in a different
heading.
11. Although the EN to Chapter 95, HTSUS, indicate that Chapter 95 covers all kinds of
toys, whether designed to amuse children or adults, the term “toy” is not statutorily
defined.
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12. The Court construes statutorily undefined terms in accordance with their common and
commercial meaning, which the court presumes to be the same. E.M. Chems. v. United
States, 920 F.2d 910, 913 (Fed. Cir. 1990).
13. The common meaning of a tariff term is a question of law which the Court may answer
by relying upon its own understanding of the term, and by consulting dictionaries,
lexicons, scientific authorities, and other reliable sources as an aid. Medline Indus. v.
United States, 62 F.3d 1407, 1409 (Fed. Cir. 1995). “[T]he meaning of a tariff term is
presumed to be the same as its common or dictionary meaning.” Brookside Veneers, Ltd.
v. United States, 847 F.2d 786, 789 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (citations omitted), cert. denied, 488
U.S. 943 (1988).
14. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged
(1981) at 2419, provides, in relevant part, that “toys” are:
3a: something designed for amusement or diversion rather than practical
use b: an article for the playtime use of a child either representational (as
persons, creatures, or implements) and intended esp. to stimulate
imagination, mimetic activity, or manipulative skill or nonrepresentational
(as balls, tops, jump ropes) and muscular dexterity and group integration.
...
15. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (1998) at 41, defines “amusement,” in
relevant part,” as: “3: a pleasurable diversion.”
16. This common meaning of toy—an object primarily designed and used for
pleasurable diversion—is consistent with its judicial interpretation. See Processed
Plastic Co. v. United States, 473 F.3d 1164, 1170 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (noting that the
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principal use of a “toy” is amusement, diversion, or play value rather than
practicality); Minnetonka Brands, Inc. v. United States, 24 CIT 645, 651, ¶37, 110
F. Supp. 2d 1020, 1026 (2000) (noting that for purposes of Chapter 95, HTSUS,
“an object is a toy only if it is designed and used for amusement, diversion or
play, rather than practicality”).
17. Although neither heading 9503 nor the relevant chapter notes explicitly state that
an item’s classification as a “toy” is dependent upon how it is used, the court finds
inherent in the above definitions the concept that an object is a toy only if it is
designed and used for diversion, amusement, or play, rather than for practical
purposes. The court concludes that heading 9503, HTSUS, is a “principal use”
provision as it pertains to “toys.” See Minnetonka Brands, Inc., 110 F. Supp. 2d
at 1026, ¶ 37 (construing 9503 as a “principal use” provision).4
18. Because heading 9503, in relevant part, is a “principal use” provision, classification
under this provision is controlled by the principal use of goods of that class or kind to
which the imported goods belong in the United States at or immediately prior to the date
of importation, and the controlling use is the principal use. ARI 1(a). This Court has
stressed that it is the principal use of the “class or kind of goods to which the imports
4
This conclusion is also consistent with the definition of the term “toy” under the predecessor to the HTSUS,
the Tariff Schedules of the United States. See Pima W., Inc. v. United States, 20 CIT 110, 116–17, 915 F. Supp.
399, 404–05 (1996). Schedule 7, part 5, subpart E, headnote 2 of TSUS defined a “toy” as “any article chiefly used
for the amusement of children or adults.” See J.C. Penney Purchasing Corp. v. United States, 10 CIT 727, 728
(1986) (noting that a “toy” is defined as “any article chiefly used for the amusement of children or adults”); see also
Ideal Toy Corp. v. United States, 78 Cust. Ct. 28, 33, C.D. 4688 (1977) (“When amusement and utility become
locked in controversy, the question becomes one of determining whether the amusement is incidental to the
utilitarian purpose, or the utility purpose incidental to the amusement.”).
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belong[ed],” at or immediately prior to the dates of importation, “and not the principal
use of the specific imports[,] that is controlling under the Rules of Interpretation.” Grp.
Italglass U.S.A., Inc. v. United States, 17 CIT 1177, 1177, 839 F. Supp. 866, 867 (1993).
19. “Principal use” is defined as the use “which exceeds any other single use of the
article.” Conversion of the Tariff Schedules of the United States Annotated Into
the Nomenclature Structure of the Harmonized System: Submitting Report at 34–
35 (USITC Pub. No. 1400) (June 1983). Merchandise cannot have two principal
uses for purpose of classification, one for amusement as a toy and another for
something else. See B & E Sales Co. v. United States, 12 CIT 96, 99 (1988).
20. Thus, the court finds that the “class or kind” of articles considered to be “toys” under
heading 9503 are articles whose principal use is for amusement, diversion, or play of
children or adults. This use must exceed any other single use of that class or kind of
article, such as practicality or utility.
21. Customs has classified craft kits, including those in the rulings cited below, as toys by
virtue of EN 95.03 (“Collections of articles, the individual items of which if presented
separately would be classified in other headings in the Nomenclature, are classified in
this heading when they are put up in a form clearly indicating their use as toys (e.g.,
instructional toys such as chemistry, sewing, etc., sets).”). Generally, craft kits have been
considered “educational toys” or “instructional toys” classifiable under Chapter 95,
because they are principally used for the amusement of children. See, e.g., HQ 959401
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(Apr. 14, 1997); HQ 958267 (May 21, 1996); NY B80233 (Jan. 10, 1997); NY 817691
(Jan. 22, 1996); and NY 851970 (May 7, 1990).
22. Under ARI 1(a), HTSUS classification is to be determined “in accordance with the use in
the United States at, or immediately prior to, the date of importation, . . .” Because the
NSF kits are imported as a kit intended to be assembled by children or adults, the basis
for classification is not the finished product, but rather the kit as a whole. Thus, the court
determines the principal use of the product as it is intended to be used, considering both
the assembly and the finished product.
23. There is no time requirement or difficulty level requirement for a craft kit to be classified
under heading 9503. Tr. 195 (testimony of NIS Forkan); EN 95.03.
24. An article does not have to be called a “toy” or marketed as a “toy” to be classified under
heading 9503. Minnetonka, 110 F. Supp. 2d at 652, ¶ 42.
25. To determine whether the subject imports are of the “class or kind” of merchandise
whose principal use is amusement, diversion, or play, as SCPG claims, or utility and
practicality, as the United States claims, the court examines all pertinent circumstances.
See United States v. Carborundum Co., 63 CCPA 98, 102, C.A.D. 1172, 536 F.2d 373,
377 (1976). In making this determination, courts have considered factors such as (1) the
general physical characteristics of the merchandise; (2) the expectation of the ultimate
purchasers; (3) the channels, class, or kind of trade in which the merchandise moves; (4)
the environment of the sale (i.e., accompanying accessories and the manner in which the
merchandise is advertised and displayed); (5) usage, if any, in the same manner as
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merchandise that defines the class; (6) the economic practicality of so using the import;
and (7) the recognition in the trade of the use. Id.; see also Minnetonka, 24 CIT at 652, ¶
40, 110 F. Supp. 2d at 1027 (listing cases applying Carborundum factors).
26. When considering the first Carborundum factor (general physical characteristics of the
merchandise), samples are potent witnesses and have great probative effect respecting the
purpose for which they are designed. Janex Corp. v. United States, 80 Cust. Ct. 146, 148,
C.D. 4748 (1978). The evidence at trial showed that the physical characteristics and the
expectations of the purchaser are consistent with other items that Customs has classified
as “toys” under heading 9503.
27. Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact, the court finds the subject merchandise to be of
the class or kind of merchandise whose principle use is amusement, diversion, or play,
rather than the practicality of a fleece throw. The unique physical characteristics of the
merchandise, the design and marketing of the merchandise as craft kits and as items of
amusement (rather than as finished fleece throws or as fleece material), the expectation of
the ultimate purchaser that these items will be used to create a fleece throw, the regular
use of the merchandise by children for amusement purposes, the fact that the merchandise
sells at a significant price premium to finished fleece throws, and other facts revealed at
trial support this conclusion. This decision is consistent with the court’s determination in
Minnetonka. See 24 CIT at 651–52, 110 F. Supp. 2d at 652, ¶¶ 40–41 (applying
Carborundum factors to determine that bubble bath containers designed in the image of
cartoon characters were properly classified as a “toy” under 9503).
Court No. 10-00067 Page 20
28. Accordingly, SCPG has rebutted the presumption of correctness (28 U.S.C. § 2639(a))
that attaches to Customs’ classification.
29. The court rejects Defendant’s argument that, because SCPG is not a toy company and the
kits are not sold in the toy departments, the principal use of the merchandise cannot be as
a “toy.” There is no requirement that the importer or manufacturer be considered a “toy”
company for its product to be classified under heading 9503. Minnetonka, 24 CIT at 652,
110 F. Supp. 2d at 1028, ¶ 43; Tr. 61, 177 (testimony of NIS specialist for toys).
30. Although the craft kits contain two pieces of fleece material that could be used as they are
or knotted into a throw, it would be an inefficient use of the product for this purpose in
terms of both quality and price. Moreover, evidence demonstrates that the value of the
merchandise comes from its utility as a source of play and amusement while assembling
the blanket, rather than from the completed throw itself.
31. Although some of the NSF throw kits feature well-known characters on the packaging
and panels, the court finds that this factor is not dispositive in classifying the article as a
“toy” under heading 9503.
32. The trial evidence demonstrates that all of SCPG’s NSF throw kits, including the specific
styles at issue, belong to the same class or kind of merchandise. For tariff classification
purposes, there is no distinction between NSF throw kits in which the printed panel
depicts a licensed character or other design that might appeal to children and those that
are not intended to appeal to children.
Court No. 10-00067 Page 21
33. Customs has previously classified as toys similar craft kits designed for children to
create, produce, or assemble articles. This includes sets for the production of items of
fabric for the home, including quilt kits and pillow kits. See NY N044840 (Dec. 5, 2008)
(“My Super Knot-a-Quilt”); NY N004742 (Jan. 22, 2007) (“Begin to Crochet Kit” to
make a stuffed pillow, and “Crochet Fun Kit” to make a handbag or scarf); and NY
J89344 (Oct. 7, 2003) (“Make Your Own Fleece Pillow”). Pl.’s Exs. 7, 16, 17.
34. The NSF kits are designed to be used in the same manner as the kits in these rulings. Tr.
108–14 (testimony of Ms. Short).
35. Customs has also classified as toys other craft kits designed for children in which
constituent materials (fabrics or yarns) were made up into finished articles having
utilitarian value. See, e.g., NY L88404 (Oct. 27, 2005) (craft kit with weaving loom and
fabric loops used to make potholders and other articles); NY 857769 (Nov. 27, 1990)
(child’s lace and tapestry craft sets). Pl.’s Exs. 18–19.
36. Implicit within all these rulings is a finding that the practicality of the finished products is
secondary to the play value of creating them, which is a mandatory requirement for
classification as a toy. The court finds that the play value of creating a fleece throw
blanket is not any less than the play or amusement value of creating a quilt or a pillow
from an instructional craft kit.
37. Although the completed throw is durable and of high quality, the court finds that the
principal reason that the ultimate purchaser would purchase and use the NSF throw kit is
for the amusement and diversion of assembling the throw.
Court No. 10-00067 Page 22
38. Because the evidence shows that the subject merchandise belongs to the class or kind of
merchandise whose principal use is amusement, diversion, or play, the court finds that the
merchandise is properly classified as “toys” under HTSUS heading 9503.
39. By finding that the subject merchandise is properly classified under heading 9503, the
subject merchandise cannot be classified under HTSUS heading 6001 or some other
provision in HTSUS Section XI. HTSUS section XI Note 1(t) expressly provides that
such section “does not cover . . . [a]rticles of Chapter 95 (for example, toys . . .).”
CONCLUSION AND ORDER
In accordance with the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the court
concludes that the NSF throw kits at issue are properly classified as “toys” under HTSUS
subheading 9503.00.00. This case having been heard at trial and submitted for decision, and the
court, after due deliberation, having rendered a decision herein, now in conformity with said
decision, it is
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the imported items at issue in this case
are properly classified under HTSUS subheading 9503.00.00, free of duty; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the appropriate Customs officials shall
reliquidate the subject entries and refund all duties paid thereon with such interest as is due by
law.
/s/ Richard W. Goldberg
Richard W. Goldberg
Senior Judge
Dated: August 16, 2013
New York, New York