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October 2024, question 38
Classification · Classification: GRIs, notes and headings
What is the CLASSIFICATION of merchandise identified as "Polyhedral Bead Combo Pack?" The packaged beads contain 20 beads consisting of five shapes (cubes, pentagons, pyramids, hexagons, and dexagons) that are made of zinc alloy (zinc by weight is 98%). Each shape is approximately 3/8 inch on the diagonal. There is a hole drilled through the center of each shape. The shapes are strung on eight (8) inches of temporary wire made of steel. Except for the hole, the beads resemble polyhedral dice. The beads are in a plastic bag with a thin, printed cardboard topper which allows the package to be hung on a peg. The packaging states that the beads are intended to be used to make jewelry. Each package is invoiced at U.S. $1.99.
- 7117.19.9000
- 7901.20.0000
- 8308.90.3000
- 9504.90.6000
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CBP's answer: C. C: 8308.90.3000
These zinc alloy beads are loose beads of base metal, not finished articles of jewelry, so they go to heading 8308, which names beads and spangles of base metal, at 8308.90.3000 (C). Their strung wire is temporary and the beads are not made up into jewelry or a game.
beads and spangles, of base metal 8308.90.30.00
Search for: beads and spangles of base metal
CBP's key cites: HTSUS 8308.90.3000; Chapter 71, Note 9
Question and key from CBP's October 2024 exam and answer key. The walk-through is ours; quotes are from the pinned editions in the reference viewer (HTSUS 2026 Basic, 19 CFR 2025 edition).