CBP Issues Revised ICP on the Classification of Molds and Their Parts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a revised version of its informed compliance publication (ICP) entitled, What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Classification of Molds and Their Parts Under the HTS.
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Two Changes Clarify Molds "For Glass" and Molds "Of Glass"
According to CBP sources, the only substantive changes in this ICP are embodied in two paragraphs (on pages 16 and 22) which emphasize the distinction between molds for glass, and molds of glass. The new information states that:
"Care must be taken to distinguish between molds FOR glass and molds OF glass. HTS subheading 8480.50.00 provides only for molds FOR glass. Molds OF glass are specifically precluded from classification in HTS heading 8480 by virtue of exclusionary language found in EN 84.80, note (d) which reads "Moulds made of glass (HTS 70.20)." In addition, note 1(c) to Chapter 84 states that chapter 84 does not cover Laboratory glassware (HTS heading 7017); machinery, appliances or other articles for technical uses or parts thereof, of glass (HTS heading 7019 or 7020). (See NY M80196, February 17, 2006)."
This revised ICP also contains information on the following (partial list):
Classification tools
Exclusions
Confusing terminology
Terms commonly used in molding industry
Discussion of specific tariff provisions
Molding boxes for metal foundry (HTS 8480.10)
Mold bases (HTS 8480.20)
Molding patterns (HTS 8480.30)
Molds for metal or metal carbides (HTS 8480.41 and 8480.49)
Molds for glass (HTS 8480.50)
Molds for mineral materials (HTS 8480.60)
Molds for rubber or plastics (HTS 8480.71 and 8480.79)
Molds for use in the manufacture of DVDs (HTS 9902.84.19)
Parts of molds and other related articles
CBP states that the material in this publication is provided for general information purposes only. CBP cautions that because many complicated factors can be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under CBP regulations 19 CFR Part 177, or to obtain advice from an expert who specializes in customs matters-for example, a licensed customs broker, attorney or consultant.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 05/18/05 news, 05051810, for BP summary of the May 2005 review without changes of the ICP on molds, etc.)
Revised Molds ICP (dated 05/2006) available at http://www.customs.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/icp059.ctt/icp059.pdf