Weekly Classification Question – September 19, 2011

Since many of you are preparing for the October 2011 Customs Broker Exam, we wanted to provide our readers with some challenging classification questions. Last week's question covered the definition of a steel alloy and the answer and explanation can be found at the end of this article, after this week's new question.

Classify a platinum plated, sterling silver set containing a dozen each of forks, knives and spoons.

A. 7114.11.4500
B. 7114.19.0000
C. 7114.20.0040
D. 8215.10.0000
E. 8215.91.9000


______________________________________________________

Answer to September 12, 2011 Question

Answer: D

See: HTSUS CH72 Note 1(f)

Since the question requires information based on a definition, we know that these issues are usually provided in the Section and/or Chapter Notes. So, now we need to go find the section and chapter that pertains to steel to find the definition that will help us answer the question. Section XV covers base metals, but a quick review does not provide the information we need. Chapter 72 also covers steel and Note 1(f) provides information related to alloys of steel that are not stainless. Comparing our list of answers and the list in Note 1(f), we find that Answer E is the only one that meets the requirements.