Background

The following proposed modifications of U.S. Customs and Border Protection classification rulings are included in the Jan. 29, 2025, Customs Bulletin and Decisions. Comments on these proposed changes are due by Feb. 28.

For more information on how to seek or utilize classification and other rulings, please contact ST&R.

Earrings

CBP is proposing to reclassify earrings with cubic zirconia as jewelry of semi-precious stones under HTSUS 7116.20.0500 (3.3 percent duty) rather than as imitation jewelry of plastic under HTSUS 7117.90.7500 (duty-free). Ruling NY N310000 would be modified to reflect this change.

The item at issue is a pair of earrings of base metal with plastic that has a small cubic zirconium on the back. CBP had used GRI 3 to classify these earrings based on a determination that their essential character was imparted by the cubic zirconium. However, CBP now states that the application of GRI 3 is unnecessary here and that the earrings are instead classifiable under GRI 1 because the cubic zirconium qualifies as a semi-precious stone and the earrings are therefore articles of semi-precious stones.

Heart Medication

CBP is proposing to reclassify propafenone hydrochloride as amino-alcohol drugs under HTSUS 2922.19.09 (column one duty rate of 6.5 percent, column two duty rate of zero) rather than as amino-acid-phenol cardiovascular drugs under HTSUS 2922.50.14 (duty-free). Rulings NY J81823, NY 891019, and NY 810507 would be modified to reflect this change.

The item at issue is an oral medication taken to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat and is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. It occurs as colorless crystals or white crystalline powder with a very bitter taste.

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