Finn Bros. v. United States

65 Cust. Ct. 252, 1970 Cust. Ct. LEXIS 3045
United States Customs Court·Decided October 8, 1970·No. C.D. 4085·Published·Cited by 2 cases

Opinion

RoseNSteiN, Judge:

This case concerns the proper tariff classification and rate of duty for certain items described on the entry papers as “carved ivory rose flowers.” However, there is a collateral issue which must be considered before proceeding to a decision on the merits.

The merchandise was entered for consumption on November 19, 1965 under TSUS item 740.35, and estimated duties, based on a 55 per centum ad valorem duty rate, were deposited. Although the case was tried (R. 3) and briefed by the parties on the assumption that the merchandise was classified as entered, it was, in fact, classified in liquidation under item 740.37, although liquidated at the 55 per centum rate.

The classification of the merchandise is shown on the Report of Collector [District Director] on Protest (Customs Form 4297) transmitting the entry and accompanying papers to the court. The Report describes the merchandise as “Carved Ivory,” lists the TSUS classifying number as “740.37,” and gives the tariff rate as “55%”. Moreover, the Special Customs Invoice bears the red-ink notation “740.37 55% ” (apparently placed thereon by the examining officer); and the protest itself asserts that the merchandise is not classifiable “under Item 740.37, TSUS, at 55% ad valorem as assessed.”

[254] At the time of entry, the pertinent provisions of the tariff schedules were as follows:

Schedule 7, Part 6, Subpart A:
Subpart A headnotes:
* if: * # # * #
2. For the purposes of this subpart—
(a) the term “jewelry and other objects of personal adornment” (items 740.05, 740.10, 740.30,_ 740.35, and 740.37) includes rings, ear-rings and clips, bracelets (including watch bracelets and identification bracelets), necklaces, * * * pendants, * * *.
****** *
3. Items 740.30, 740.35 and 740.37 cover articles described in headnote 2(a) of this subpart, except buttons, buckles, and slides, and hair ornaments (see parts 7A and 8A of this schedule).
Jewelry and other objects of personal adornment not provided for in the foregoing provisions of this part (except articles excluded by headnote 3 of this part), and parts thereof:
740.35 Valued over 20 cents but not over $5 per dozen pieces or parts_ 55% ad val.
740.37 Valued over $5 per dozen pieces or parts_ 35% ad val.

However, under the Technical Amendments Act of 1965,1 applicable, with certain exceptions, to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, on December 7, 1965, items 740.35 and 740.37 were stricken from the schedules and the following inserted in lieu thereof:

Valued over 20 cents per dozen pieces or parts:
740.35 Watch bracelets valued over $5 per dozen 35% ad val.
740.37 Other- 55% ad val.

The merchandise was appraised as entered on November 2,1966 (as indicated on the summary sheet) at a value of over 20 cents but not over $5 per dozen pieces (as per invoice) ; and the entry was liquidated on November 23,1966.

It would appear, although this is only speculation, that the merchandise was classified under the belief that the Technical Amendments Act was applicable thereto. Be that as it may, classification of the subject merchandise under item 740.37 which, at the time of entry covered only jewelry and other articles of personal adornment valued over $5 per dozen pieces or parts (and took a duty rate of only 35 per centum ad valorem), was clearly erroneous. Consequently, no presumption of correctness attaches to the classification herein.

[255] Plaintiff claims, alternatively, that the merchandise is classifiable under the tariff schedules, as follows:

Schedule 7, Part 13, Subpart 0:
Articles, not specially provided for:
792.60 Of ivory_ 12% ad val.
Schedule Y, Part 6, Subpart B:
Subpart B headnotes:
1. For the purposes of the tariff schedules the term “imitation gemstones^’ means glass, plastics, or other materials made into shapes suitable for use in jewelry or for other ornamental purposes in a manner similar to natural gemstones, whether or not in imitation thereof, but does not include natural gemstones, synthetic gemstones, reconstructed natural gemstones, or imitation pearls.
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Finn Bros. v. United States, 65 Cust. Ct. 252, 1970 Cust. Ct. LEXIS 3045 (cusc 1970).

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