NY a86519: The tariff classification of a small push-button switchbladeknife on a key chain from China

Native CBP ruling rendition. Applicability is fact-specific; modification/revocation relationships and original publisher date are retained. Publisher sentinel year0001 means unknown date, not a historical legal adoption.

                            NY A86519

                         August 21, 1996


CLA-2-82:R:N4:119 A86519  

CATEGORY:  Admissibility

TARIFF NO.: 8211.93.0030  

Mr. Michael A. Pipitone
John F. Kilroy Co., Inc.
JFK International Airport
Cargo Building 80, Suite 227
Jamaica, NY 11430-1718

RE:  The tariff classification of a small push-button switchblade
knife on       a key chain from China

Dear Mr. Pipitone:

     In your letter dated August 7, 1996 you requested a ruling on
the
classification and admissibility of a small folding knife.  The request is
being made on behalf of Compass Industries, Inc., New York, NY.  

     The sample you furnished is a small push-button switchblade knife on a
key chain.  The knife measures 1 1/2 inch in the closed position.  The
blade measures 1 1/16 of an inch and opens automatically by applying
pressure to the button.

     In Part 12 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR Part 12) at Section 12.95,
a Switchblade knife is defined in part as a knife with a blade which opens
automatically by hand pressure to a button or device in the handle of the
knife.  The Customs Service has previously ruled that the length of the
blade is not a consideration in determining whether a knife is subject to
the Switchblade Knife Act or not.  Therefore this type of knife, as
represented by the sample you submitted, is prohibited merchandise under
the Switchblade Knife Act (15 U.S.C. 1241-1244) and cannot be imported into
the United States.

     If you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact
National Import Specialist Jacques Preston of this office at (212) 466-
5488.

                                   Sincerely,

                                   
  
                                   Roger J. Silvestri
                                   Director
                                   National Commodity
                                 Specialist Division