What Every Member of the 

Trade Community Should Know About: 

Decorative 

Glassware 

AN INFORMED COMPLIANCE PUBLICATION 

APRIL 2010 
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

NOTICE:

This publication is intended to provide guidance and information to the trade community. 

It reflects the position on or interpretation of the applicable laws or regulations by U.S. 

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as of the date of publication, which is shown on 

the front cover. It does not in any way replace or supersede those laws or regulations. 

Only the latest official version of the laws or regulations is authoritative. 

Publication History 

First Published: August 2001 

Revised January 2004 

Revised March 2008 

Reviewed with No Changes March 2009 

Reviewed with No Changes April 2010 

PRINTING NOTE: 

This publication was designed for electronic distribution via the CBP website 

(http://www.cbp.gov) and is being distributed in a variety of formats. It was originally set 

up in Microsoft Word 2003®. Pagination and margins in downloaded versions may vary 

depending upon which word processor or printer you use. If you wish to maintain the 

original settings, you may wish to download the .pdf version, which can then be printed 

using the freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader®. 

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April 2010 

PREFACE 

On December 8, 1993, Title VI of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation 

Act (Pub. L. 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057), also known as the Customs Modernization or “Mod” Act, 

became effective. These provisions amended many sections of the Tariff Act of 1930 and 

related laws. 

Two new concepts that emerge from the Mod Act are “informed compliance” and “shared 

responsibility,” which are premised on the idea that in order to maximize voluntary compliance 

with laws and regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the trade community needs to 

be clearly and completely informed of its legal obligations. Accordingly, the Mod Act imposes a 

greater obligation on CBP to provide the public with improved information concerning the trade 

community's rights and responsibilities under customs regulations and related laws. In addition, 

both the trade and U.S. Customs and Border Protection share responsibility for carrying out 

these requirements. For example, under Section 484 of the Tariff Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 

1484), the importer of record is responsible for using reasonable care to enter, classify and 

determine the value of imported merchandise and to provide any other information necessary to 

enable U.S. Customs and Border Protection to properly assess duties, collect accurate 

statistics, and determine whether other applicable legal requirements, if any, have been met. 

CBP is then responsible for fixing the final classification and value of the merchandise. An 

importer of record’s failure to exercise reasonable care could delay release of the merchandise 

and, in some cases, could result in the imposition of penalties. 

Regulations and Rulings (RR) of the Office of International Trade has been given a major role in 

meeting the informed compliance responsibilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In 

order to provide information to the public, CBP has issued a series of informed compliance 

publications on new or revised requirements, regulations or procedures, and a variety of 

classification and valuation issues. 

This publication, prepared by the National Commodity Specialist Division of Regulations and 

Rulings is entitled “Decorative Glassware”. It provides guidance regarding the classification of 

these items. We sincerely hope that this material, together with seminars and increased access 

to rulings of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will help the trade community to improve 

voluntary compliance with customs laws and to understand the relevant administrative 

processes. 

The material in this publication is provided for general information purposes only. Because 

many complicated factors can be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a 

ruling under Regulations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 19 C.F.R. Part 177, or to 

obtain advice from an expert who specializes in customs matters, for example, a licensed 

customs broker, attorney or consultant. 

Comments and suggestions are welcomed and should be addressed to U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection, Office of International Trade, Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings, 

799 9th Street N.W. 7th floor, Washington, D.C. 20229-1177. 

Sandra L. Bell 

Executive Director, Regulations and Rulings 

Office of International Trade 

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April 2010 

HOUSEHOLD GLASSWARE......................................................................8

TYPES OF DECORATIVE GLASSWARE ..................................................8

SUBHEADINGS BASED ON UNIT VALUE................................................9

PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL TYPES OF GLASS ARTICLES...................9

Subheading 7013.99.10: Colored Bubble Glass and Other Special Types of 

Glassware .................................................................................................................. 10

Subheading 7013.99.20: Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) Glassware11

Subheading 7013.99.30: Smokers’ Articles................................................................ 12

Subheading 7013.99.30: Perfume Bottles Fitted With Ground Glass Stoppers ......... 13

Subheading 7013.99.35: Votive Candle Holders........................................................ 14

Subheading 7013.10: Glassware of Glass-Ceramics................................................. 15

Subheadings 7013.22, 7013.33, 7013.41 and 7013.91: Lead Crystal Glassware...... 15

HEADING 7009 (MIRRORS) VS. SUBHEADING 7013.99 (DECORATIVE 

GLASS ARTICLES)...................................................................................16

GLASS GLOBES OR DOMES (WATER GLOBES, SNOW GLOBES, 

ETC.)..........................................................................................................17

GLASS/METAL ARTICLES ......................................................................19

Glass Suncatchers ..................................................................................................... 21

PICTURE FRAMES ...................................................................................22

GLASS AQUARIUMS AND TERRARIUMS..............................................24

GARDEN GLOBES ...................................................................................25

LAMPWORKED GLASS ORNAMENTS: HEADING 7018 VS. HEADING 

7013 ...........................................................................................................26

GLASS SMALLWARES: HEADING 7018 VS. HEADING 7013...............27

OTHER ARTICLES OF GLASS: HEADING 7020 VS. HEADING 7013 ...27

THE IMPORTER’S RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................30

INVOICING REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................33

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................................34

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April 2010 

The Internet................................................................................................................ 34

Customs Regulations ................................................................................................. 34

Customs Bulletin ........................................................................................................ 34

Importing into the United States ................................................................................. 35

Informed Compliance Publications............................................................................. 35

Value Publications...................................................................................................... 36

“Your Comments are Important”................................................................................. 37

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HOUSEHOLD GLASSWARE 

Household glassware is classifiable in heading 7013 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 

of the United States (HTSUS). This heading provides for drinking glasses; other 

glassware for table and kitchen purposes; and glassware for toilet, office, indoor 

decoration or similar purposes. The following chart indicates the broad categories of 

glassware covered by heading 7013. 

Stemware Drinking Glasses of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.22 

Stemware Drinking Glasses, Not of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.28 

Other Drinking Glasses of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.33 

Other Drinking Glasses, Not of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.37 

Other Table/Kitchen Glassware of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.41 

Other Table/Kitchen Glassware Subheading 7013.49 

Decorative Glassware of Lead Crystal Subheading 7013.91 

Other Decorative Glassware Subheading 7013.99 

Table/kitchen glassware was addressed in a previous informed compliance publication 

(What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Table and Kitchen 

Glassware, issued April 2006). 

The following informed compliance publication focuses on the classification of 

decorative glassware and similar glass articles. These types of products are imported 

in great quantities and are often classified incorrectly. This publication will discuss 

many of the classification issues connected with this merchandise, and will provide 

guidance to enable importers and Customs brokers to avoid entering these products 

incorrectly. 

TYPES OF DECORATIVE GLASSWARE 

Subheading 7013.99 of the HTSUS provides for glassware for toilet, office, indoor 

decoration and similar purposes. Subheading 7013.91 provides for these items 

when they are made of lead crystal glass (i.e., containing at least 24 percent lead 

monoxide by weight). Thus, the 7013.91 and 7013.99 subheadings cover the full range 

of household (and similar) glass articles (with the exception of table/kitchen glassware 

covered by subheadings 7013.22, 7013.28, 7013.33, 7013.37, 7013.41, 7013.42 and 

7013.49). 

Decorative glass products covered by the 7013.91 and 7013.99 subheadings include 

figurines, vases, aquariums, garden ornaments, curio boxes, suncatchers, water globes, 

terrariums, statuettes, paperweights and a wide range of ornamental glass articles. 

These provisions also cover glass toilet articles such as soap dishes, liquid soap 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

distributors, toothbrush holders and other items, as well as office glassware such as 

book ends, holders for paper clips, ink stands, pen-trays and similar articles. 

The 7013.91 and 7013.99 subheadings are not limited to items used in the home; these 

provisions cover decorative and similar glass articles used in homes, offices, gardens, 

churches, theatres and similar contexts. 

The vast majority of glass articles imported into the United States are clearly provided 

for in heading 7013. With the exceptions of laboratory glassware (heading 7017), other 

glass articles used in industrial and factory contexts (heading 7020), and several other 

categories, most glass articles are covered by heading 7013. 

SUBHEADINGS BASED ON UNIT VALUE 

Most of the eight-digit subheadings that appear under heading 7013 of the HTSUS 

provide for glassware based on the unit value of a single glass article. The following 

chart indicates the subheadings based on unit value which apply to glassware for toilet, 

office, indoor decoration and similar purposes covered by subheading 7013.99. 

Valued not over $0.30 each Subheading 7013.99.40 

 

Valued over $0.30 but not over $3 

each 

 Subheading 7013.99.50 

Valued over $3 but not over $5 each 

(cut or engraved) 

 Subheading 7013.99.60 

Valued over $3 but not over $5 each 

(not cut or engraved) 

 Subheading 7013.99.80 

Valued over $5 each (cut or engraved) Subheading 7013.99.70 

 

Valued over $5 each (not cut or 

engraved) 

 Subheading 7013.99.90 

Importers and Customs brokers often enter glassware incorrectly under subheadings 

based on the value of several glass articles packed together. In fact, the heading 7013 

subheadings based on value are dependent on the unit value of a single glass 

article, not the value of several articles packed together. 

PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL TYPES OF GLASS ARTICLES 

While most decorative glass articles are covered by 7013.99 subheadings based on unit 

value, there are several provisions that cover certain specific types of decorative 

glassware. The following are 7013.99 subheadings that cover special types of 

household glassware. 

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April 2010 

Colored bubble glassware; glassware 

decorated with metal flecking, glass 

pictorial scenes or glass thread or ribbonlike effects; millefiori glassware 

 Subheading 7013.99.10 

Pressed and toughened (specially 

tempered) glassware 

 Subheading 7013.99.20 

Smokers’ articles; perfume bottles fitted 

with ground glass stoppers 

 Subheading 7013.99.30 

Votive candle holders Subheading 7013.99.35 

Decorative glass articles of lead crystal are covered by subheading 7013.91. All 

household glassware of glass-ceramics (including decorative glassware) is covered by 

subheading 7013.10. 

Subheading 7013.99.10: Colored Bubble Glass and Other Special Types of 

Glassware 

Subheading 7013.99.10 covers the following special types of decorative glassware: 

• Glassware colored prior to solidification, and characterized by random 

 distribution of numerous bubbles, seeds or stones throughout the mass of 

 the glass 

• Glassware decorated with glass thread or ribbon-like effects, embedded 

 or introduced into the body of the glassware prior to solidification 

• Glassware decorated with glass pictorial scenes, embedded or introduced 

 into the body of the glassware prior to solidification 

• Glassware decorated with metal flecking, embedded or introduced into 

 the glassware prior to solidification 

• Millefiori glassware 

Definitions of each of these special types of glassware, as well as the criteria that are 

used to determine whether a specific product is classifiable in subheading 7013.99.10 

can be found in the Informed Compliance Publication entitled: What Every Member of 

the Trade Community Should Know About: Colored Bubble Glass and Other Special 

Types of Glassware, issued April 2006. 

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April 2010 

Subheading 7013.99.20: Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) Glassware 

The HTSUS subheadings 7013.28.05, 7013.37.05, 7013.42.10, 7013.49.10 and 

7013.99.20 provide for specially tempered glassware. Decorative glassware of 

specially tempered glass is covered by subheading 7013.99.20.

The provisions for specially tempered glassware cover glass articles that have been

pressed and toughened; this process makes these articles considerably stronger than 

ordinary glassware. Often glass articles which might have been “tempered” (i.e., 

strengthened in some way) have not been “specially tempered” (strengthened by means 

of pressing and toughening). 

Items that have not been specially tempered are frequently entered incorrectly as 

specially tempered glassware. These products are correctly classifiable under the 

appropriate subheading of heading 7013 based on unit value. Analysis of samples by 

the U.S. Customs laboratory is crucial to verify claims that glass articles are 

specially tempered. 

The U.S. Customs laboratory protocols for testing glass articles to determine whether 

they are specially tempered are found in Treasury Decision 94-26 (TD 94-26), Customs 

Bulletin, vol. 28, no. 13, March 30, 1994; Federal Register, March 22, 1994 (59 FR 

13531). 

When testing to determine whether a product is pressed and toughened (specially 

tempered), the laboratory analyst initially does a visual examination. The presence of 

mold marks, ribs, handles or flutes in a glass article often indicates that an article has 

been “pressed.” The absence of these characteristics makes it much less likely that the 

item has been pressed. 

The analyst then measures both the minimum diameter of the mouth, opening or upper 

rim of the sample and the maximum inside diameter. This process is known as the 

dimensional test. A sample that has a maximum inside diameter greater than the 

minimum diameter of the mouth, opening or upper rim is not likely to have been 

“pressed.” If the dimensional test indicates the sample is not pressed, additional tests 

are not necessary. However if the dimensional test does not negate the possibility that 

the article has been pressed, the analyst should perform the following additional tests. 

The sample is heated in an oven at a temperature of 160 degrees Centigrade for thirty 

minutes. Afterwards the sample is removed and immersed in a water bath set at a 

temperature of 25 degrees Centigrade. This effects a difference in temperature of 135 

degrees. If the sample breaks in response to this thermal shock test, this would indicate 

that the product has not been toughened and the analyst need not perform any further 

tests. However, if the sample does not break when subjected to the thermal shock test, 

the following additional test should be performed. 

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April 2010 

The glass article is subjected to polariscopic examination. If a pattern of colors forms in 

response to polarized light, this would be evidence that the product is specially 

tempered. On the other hand, if the sample exhibits uniform coloration in response to 

the polarized light, this would indicate that the item is not specially tempered. 

The polarized light test can only be performed on transparent articles and certain 

translucent items. It cannot be performed on opaque products and those translucent 

products where there is inadequate transmission of polarized light. Therefore, for 

opaque articles and certain translucent items, the cutting test is substituted for the 

polarized light test. 

Under the cutting test, a tile saw or similar table-mounted circular saw is equipped with 

an 8 to 12 inch diameter continuous rim diamond blade designed for wet cutting glass. 

When subjected to wet cutting by this saw, a product which is specially tempered will 

break into pieces; however, if the product is not specially tempered, it will be cleanly cut 

in half by the saw. 

Subheading 7013.99.30: Smokers’ Articles 

Subheading 7013.99.30 provides for glass smokers’ articles. Generally, a product will 

be regarded as an ashtray classifiable in this provision only if it has a rim with ridges 

capable of holding a cigarette (or pipe or cigar) in place, and is deep enough to hold a 

cigarette (or pipe or cigar). 

To be regarded as an ashtray classifiable in subheading 7013.99.30, a product must be 

principally used as an ashtray. Principal use is that use which exceeds each other 

single use in the United States for merchandise of the same class or kind as the 

imported article. Principal use is determined based on the class or kind of the imported 

article, and class or kind is determined based on the product’s form. 

Products with general forms capable of being used for a variety of purposes as 

decorative glassware or as table/kitchen glassware are often entered incorrectly as 

smokers’ articles in subheading 7013.99.30. An item principally used as a general 

purpose decorative glass article is classifiable under one of the 7013.99 subheadings 

dependent on unit value, not in subheading 7013.99.30. An item principally used as an 

article of table/kitchen glassware is classifiable under one of the 7013.49 subheadings 

dependent on unit value, not in subheading 7013.99.30. 

Bowls and candy dishes (which lack the ridges generally required of an ashtray) are 

often entered incorrectly as smokers’ articles. Although a glass bowl or candy dish 

might sometimes be marketed as an ashtray, this type of item is not principally used as 

an ashtray and should not be entered as a smoker’s article in subheading 7013.99.30. 

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April 2010 

Subheading 7013.99.30: Perfume Bottles Fitted With Ground Glass Stoppers 

Glass perfume bottles principally used to convey and pack perfume (and other toilet 

preparations) for sale commercially (i.e., to consumers) are classifiable under the 

provisions for containers in heading 7010 - subheadings 7010.90.20 and 7010.90.30. 

While bottles principally used to convey and pack perfume for sale to consumers 

are classifiable in heading 7010, perfume bottles principally used to store 

perfume in the home are classifiable in subheading 7013.99. While the type of 

perfume bottle classifiable in heading 7010 is principally sold to the consumer filled with 

perfume, the type of perfume bottle classifiable in heading 7013 is principally sold to the 

consumer empty. 

When a perfume bottle classifiable in heading 7013 is fitted with a ground glass 

stopper, the applicable subheading is 7013.99.30, HTSUS. 

A general purpose decorative article of glass (not principally used to hold or store 

perfume in the home) may not be classified as a perfume bottle in subheading 

7013.99.30. General purpose decorative glass articles are classifiable in one of the 

7013.99 subheadings based on unit value. These products are often entered incorrectly 

in subheading 7013.99.30 as perfume bottles. 

Even if an item is principally used to hold or store perfume in the home, it may not be 

classified in subheading 7013.99.30 unless it is fitted with a ground glass stopper. Even 

if the stopper of a glass perfume bottle is made of glass, the bottle may not be classified 

in subheading 7013.99.30 unless the stopper is made of ground glass. 

A decorative glass bottle that is not fitted with a ground glass stopper is classifiable in 

one the 7013.99 subheadings based on unit value (even if this item is referred to as a 

“perfume bottle”). Bottles not fitted with ground glass stoppers are often entered 

incorrectly in subheading 7013.99.30 as perfume bottles fitted with ground glass 

stoppers. 

An importer or broker should not enter merchandise under the provision for “perfume 

bottles fitted with ground glass stoppers” in subheading 7013.99.30 unless the product 

meets both criteria for this provision. The product in question must be: 

• a perfume bottle of heading 7013 – i.e., principally used to hold or store perfume

 in the home and 

• fitted with a ground glass stopper. 

(If a perfume bottle fitted with a ground glass stopper meets the criteria for “glassware 

colored prior to solidification, and characterized by numerous bubbles seeds or stones 

throughout the mass of the glass”, subheading 7013.99.10 would apply rather than 

subheading 7013.99.30. See Informed Compliance Publication entitled: What Every 

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April 2010 

Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Colored Bubble Glass and 

Other Special Types of Glassware, issued April, 2006.) 

Fig. 1 Perfume Bottle with Ground Glass Stopper 7013.99.30 (If a perfume bottle 

with ground glass stopper meets the criteria for colored bubble glassware, 

subheading 7013.99.10 will apply.) 

Subheading 7013.99.35: Votive Candle Holders 

Subheading 7013.99.35, HTSUS, provides for glass votive candle holders. Based on 

administrative rulings, this provision has been limited to items principally used as candle 

holders for religious/memorial purposes. General purpose glass candle holders are 

usually classified in subheading 9405.50.40, HTSUS; however, even if a glass article is 

claimed to be a general purpose candle holder, it will not be classified in subheading 

9405.50.40 if it not principally used as a candle holder. Items principally used as 

general purpose decorative glass articles are classifiable in one of the 7013.99 

subheadings dependent on unit value. The principal use of the class or kind of article 

under consideration, not the actual use of the specific imported product, determines 

classification. 

Principal use is based on that use which exceeds each other single use in the United 

States for merchandise of the same class or kind as the imported product. The form of 

the imported article determines its class or kind, which determines its principal use. 

A complete discussion of votive candle holders (subheading 7013.99.35) vs. general 

purpose candle holders (subheading 9405.50.40) vs. general purpose decorative glass 

articles (7013.99 subheadings dependent on unit value) can be found in the previous 

informed compliance publication entitled: What Every Member of the Trade Community 

Should Know About: New Decisions on Candle Holders vs. Decorative Glass 

Articles, issued April 2006. 

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April 2010 

Subheading 7013.10: Glassware of Glass-Ceramics 

Subheading 7013.10 of the HTSUS provides for glassware of glass-ceramics. Material 

referred to as “glass-ceramics” is produced when glass is converted into an almost 

wholly crystalline substance by a process of controlled crystallization. 

These types of articles are produced when the manufacturer adds nucleating agents 

(e.g., metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zirconium oxide or metals such as 

copper powder) to the glass batch. After the product is shaped by ordinary glassmaking methods, it is maintained at a temperature that allows the glassy body to 

crystallize around the nucleating agents (devitrification). 

Analysis of a sample by the U.S. Customs laboratory is necessary to enable U.S. 

Customs to determine whether a product consists of glass-ceramics. 

Although decorative glass articles are generally classifiable in subheading 7013.99, 

decorative glass articles of glass-ceramics are classifiable in subheading 7013.10, not 

subheading 7013.99. (Similarly, drinking glasses of glass-ceramics and other 

table/kitchen glassware of glass-ceramics are classifiable in subheading 7013.10, not 

subheadings 7013.28, 7013.37 or 7013.49.) 

Subheadings 7013.22, 7013.33, 7013.41 and 7013.91: Lead Crystal Glassware 

Lead crystal glassware classifiable in the HTSUS subheadings 7013.22 (stemware 

drinking glasses), 7013.33 (other drinking glasses), 7013.41 (other table/kitchen 

glassware) and 7013.91 (decorative glassware) must contain at least 24 percent lead 

monoxide by weight. See Subheading Note 1 to Chapter 70 of the HTSUS. 

Glass products that contain less than 24 percent lead monoxide by weight are 

frequently entered incorrectly under the provisions for lead crystal glassware. Samples 

of glass articles claimed to be lead crystal are sent to the U.S. Customs laboratory to 

verify their composition. An importer who claims that a product is lead crystal should 

ascertain before entry whether the item truly contains at least 24 percent lead monoxide 

by weight. 

Like the provisions for ordinary glassware (subheadings 7013.28, 7013.37, 7013.49 and 

7013.99, HTSUS), the provisions for lead crystal glassware (subheadings 7013.22, 

7013.33, 7013.41 and 7013.91, HTSUS) are subdivided into various eight-digit 

subheadings which describe the products based on the unit value of a single glass 

article. The subheadings for decorative articles of lead crystal glass are as follows. 

Valued not over $1 each Subheading 7013.91.10 

Valued over $1 but not over $3 each Subheading 7013.91.20 

Valued over $3 but not over $5 each Subheading 7013.91.30 

Valued over $5 each Subheading 7013.91.50 

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HEADING 7009 (MIRRORS) VS. SUBHEADING 7013.99 (DECORATIVE GLASS 

ARTICLES) 

Heading 7009 provides for mirrors with a reflecting surface of glass. (A mirror with a 

reflecting surface of plastic would be classified in Chapter 39.) 

The provision for mirrors in heading 7009 is limited to items that are principally used as 

mirrors – i.e., principally used by a person to check his or her reflection. When mirror 

glass is incorporated into another article, the product will not be classified as a mirror in 

heading 7009. 

 

When the surface of mirror glass is covered with pictures, words, designs, etc., 

the product is converted into a decorative glass article and is classified as 

glassware for indoor decoration in subheading 7013.99, not as a mirror in 

heading 7009. The applicable eight-digit subheading is dependent on the unit value of 

the article. 

If the greatest portion of the reflecting surface of a mirror is clear and there are only 

small decorations in the corners, the product would still be regarded as a mirror and 

heading 7009 would be applicable. However, products such as "pub mirrors” – wall 

decorations made of mirror glass largely covered by pictures, advertising material or 

designs – are regarded as decorative glass articles classifiable in subheading 7013.99, 

not as mirrors of heading 7009. In products such as the pub mirror, the focus of the 

viewer is on the words, pictures and designs, not on his or her refection. 

Headquarters Ruling (HQ) 086405, dated April 16, 1990, addressed the classification of 

wall decorations consisting of framed mirror glass painted with the names and logos 

(pictures of football helmets) of NFL football teams. In each of these products, the 

central portion of the mirror glass featured the name and logo of the team. The product 

was not principally used as a mirror – i.e., it was not used by a person to check his or 

her reflection. It was principally used as a decorative article displaying a team name 

and logo. Therefore, HQ 086405 classified this item as a decorative glass article in 

subheading 7013.99, not as a mirror in heading 7009. 

Mirrors converted into other articles by the addition of other parts are not 

classified as mirrors in heading 7009. For example, mirrors converted into trays 

by the addition of handles, bars or rails are classified in heading 7013, not as 

mirrors in heading 7009. Trays consisting of mirror glass plus handles are classified 

as table/kitchen glassware in subheading 7013.39 when they are principally used to 

carry food and beverages. Trays consisting of mirror glass plus rails or bars are 

classified as decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99 when they are principally 

used as vanity trays for holding perfume and other cosmetics. 

Note HQ 088088, October 9, 1991; HQ 951000, March 24, 1992; New York Ruling (NY) 

C86460, May 5, 1998; NY D87024, January 28, 1999; NY G88954, April 2, 2001. 

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April 2010 

Decorative glass articles incorporating mirror glass but not principally used as mirrors 

are often entered incorrectly as mirrors in heading 7009. These products are correctly 

classifiable in subheading 7013.99. 

Fig. 2 Mirror Glass with handles attached is designed to be used as a tray and is 

classifiable in heading 7013, not as a mirror in heading 7009. 

GLASS GLOBES OR DOMES (WATER GLOBES, SNOW GLOBES, ETC.) 

Under General Rule of Interpretation (3)(b) of the HTSUS (“GRI (3)(b)”), the 

classification of a composite good will be based on the component which represents the 

essential character of the product. If no single component imparts essential character 

to the article, GRI (3)(c) dictates that classification will be based on the applicable 

heading appearing last in the HTSUS. 

When a glass water globe or snow globe on a base contains a figure or object 

inside the globe and there are no figures or objects outside the globe, 

classification will generally be based on the material of the globe. In this example, 

the globe itself will be regarded as the component that represents the product’s 

essential character under GRI (3)(b). 

When the globe (containing a figure or object) simply rests on a base and there are no 

figures or objects outside the globe, neither the base nor the figure or object inside the 

globe will be held to impart the product’s essential character. Generally in this situation 

only the material of the globe itself will determine classification. Consequently, the 

merchandise will be classified as decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99. The 

precise eight-digit subheading is dependent on the unit value of the article. (The globe 

in this type of product is usually made of glass and subheading 7013.99 applies; of 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

course, in those cases when the globe itself is made of plastic rather than glass, 

Chapter 39 would apply.) 

 

Note rulings HQ 951999, August 31, 1992; NY 882344, March 3, 1993; NY A84190, 

June 20, 1996; NY C85984, April 20, 1998; NY D86216, January 11, 1999; NY D87923, 

March 10, 1999; NY E80852, April 29, 1999; NY E81427, May 10, 1999; NY E88163, 

November 3, 1999. 

When a glass water globe or snow globe includes figures or objects both inside 

and outside the globe (e.g., when the base itself is a three-dimensional 

representation of an object, person or animal), classification will be based on the 

material of the figures or objects. Thus, in this situation, if the figures or objects are 

made of plastic, Chapter 39 will apply. If they are made of ceramic, Chapter 69 will 

apply. If they are made of agglomerated stone, subheading 6810.99 will apply. When 

there are figures or objects both inside and outside the globe, the figures or objects will 

be regarded as the components that impart the product’s essential character and the 

merchandise will be classified based on the provision applicable to these figures or 

objects. 

Note NY A87142, September 23, 1996; NY B82414, June 10, 1997; NY D88062, March 

3 1999; NY E82866, June 15, 1999; NY E84745, August 11, 1999; NY E85453, 

November 4, 1999; NY E80115, May 28, 1999; NY F80124, January 6, 2000. 

The material of the figures or objects will determine the classification of a water globe or 

snow globe when there are figures or objects both inside and outside the globe. 

However, if the base of a glass water globe or snow globe is simply decorated (e.g., 

painted, engraved, etched) with drawings or paintings but there are no figures or objects 

outside of the globe, classification will be based on the material of the globe. 

 

If a glass globe on a base is a festive article (e.g., when a figure of Santa Claus is 

present inside or outside the globe), the provisions for festive articles in Chapter 95 will 

apply. 

Note Midwest of Cannon Falls, Inc. v. United States, 122 F.3d 1423, 1429 (Fed. Cir. 

1997). Note NY B87248, August 12, 1997; NY C80019, October 24, 1997; NY D82788, 

September 30 1998; NY E80838, May 13, 1999; NY E85725, September 9, 1999. 

 

If a glass globe on a base has a wind-up musical mechanism, the provision for 

music boxes in heading 9208 is applicable. 

Note NY 817517; NY C80019, October 24, 1997; NY C86364, April 30, 1998; NY 

F82209, February 14, 2000; NY F82834, February 17, 2000. 

However, if the product has an IC chip that creates music, heading 9208 does not apply 

and the item is classified based on the rules explained above. (When there are no 

figures or objects outside the globe, classification is based on the material of the globe; 

18
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

when there are figures or objects inside and outside the globe, classification is based on 

the material of the figures or objects.) 

Note NY A84190, June 20, 1996; NY C85984, April 20, 1998; NY E80852, April 29, 

1999; NY E82866, June 15, 1999; NY E84745, August 11, 1999. 

Fig. 3 Glass Globe or Dome. 7013.99. Fig. 4 Glass Globe with figures both 

inside and outside the globe. 

Classifiable based on materials of the 

figures. 

GLASS/METAL ARTICLES 

Generally, glass articles on metal stands, glass boxes with metal edges or 

channeling, glass suncatchers with metal frames and glass articles with metal 

lids are classified based on the glass component rather than the metal 

component. Decorative glass/metal articles of this type are generally classified as 

decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99, not as articles of metal. 

Admittedly, the metal component in this type of product usually has the greater value. 

However, the glass component usually encompasses the largest portion of the body of 

the article, has greater consumer appeal and is more important to the function of the 

article. In this type of item, the metal component is ancillary and merely serves to 

support the glass component. 

Under General Rule of Interpretation (3)(b) of the HTSUS (“GRI (3)(b)”), the essential 

character of a glass article on a metal stand or rack is generally represented by the 

19
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

glass article, not the metal stand or rack. Under GRI (3)(b), the essential character of a 

glass article with a metal lid or closure is generally imparted by the glass body, not the 

metal lid. The essential character of a glass box with a metal frame or channeling or a 

glass suncatcher with a metal rim or frame is imparted by the glass component, not the 

metal component. Consequently, these products are correctly classifiable as glassware 

in heading 7013, not as articles of metal. 

Note rulings HQ 086154, March 26, 1990; HQ 086166, April 9, 1990; HQ 087727, 

September 21, 1990; HQ 089164, July 23, 1992; HQ 953197, April 28, 1993; HQ 

956810, November 28, 1994; HQ 956048, July 7, 1994; HQ 960499, July 8, 1998; HQ 

960503, July 9, 1998; HQ 960620, August 26, 1997; HQ 960653, July 1, 1998; HQ 

960819, July 16, 1998; HQ 960962, July 15, 1998; HQ 961039, July 1, 1998; HQ 

961095, July 20, 1998; HQ 961141, July 21, 1998; HQ 962136, December 9, 1998; HQ 

962624, May 12, 1999. Note Pomeroy Collection, Ltd. v. United States, 336 F. 3d 

1370 (Fed. Cir. 2003), aff’g Pomeroy Collection, Inc. v. United States, 246 F. Supp. 

2d 1286 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2002). 

With regard to a glass vessel on a metal stand, what is the applicable unit value of the 

product for purposes of our determination of the correct eight-digit subheading under 

heading 7013? Is the unit value the value of the glass vessel alone or is it the value of 

the glass vessel plus the metal stand? 

When a glass vessel capable of holding material (e.g., a vase or a bell shaped glass 

vessel capable of holding flowers or potpourri) is on a metal stand, the following rules 

apply. If the glass vessel is not capable of standing on its own (e.g., a bell shaped glass 

vessel), the glass article and the metal stand will be regarded as a composite good. 

When the merchandise is regarded as a composite good (i.e., when the glass vessel 

cannot stand on its own), the applicable unit value (for purposes of our determination of 

the correct eight-digit subheading under heading 7013) is based on the value of the 

glass vessel plus its metal stand. 

However, when a glass article that is capable of standing on its own (e.g., a glass vase, 

bowl, etc.,) is imported with a metal stand and the two components (glass and metal) 

are packed together for retail sale as a set, the merchandise will be regarded as a set. 

When a glass article on a metal stand is regarded as a set (i.e., when the glass article 

can stand on its own), the applicable unit value (for purposes of our determination of the 

correct eight-digit subheading under heading 7013) is based on the value of the glass 

article alone, not the combined value of the glass and the stand. 

The unit value for a glass article on a stand will be based on the combined value of the 

glass and stand when the glass item is capable of holding material and cannot stand on 

its own. If a glass article on a stand is a purely decorative article in its own right (i.e., 

not capable of holding material), the unit value will be based on the value of the glass 

alone, whether or not this decorative glass article can stand on its own. 

20
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

 

Fig. 5 Glass decorative article on 

metal stand is classifiable as 

decorative glassware in 7013.99, not 

as an article of metal. 

Fig. 6 Glass decorative box with metal 

edges Classifiable as decorative 

glassware in 7013.99, not as an article of 

metal. 

Glass Suncatchers 

A suncatcher is a decorative article consisting of a body of glass and a frame or rim of 

metal attached to a metal chain. It is designed to hang in the window and interact with 

the sunlight creating a unique decorative effect. 

Rulings have consistently held that the essential character of a suncatcher under 

GRI(3)(b) is represented by its glass body, not its metal frame or rim. The glass body is 

the central feature of the article; it is the component that is most appealing to the 

consumer and it is the component that has the greatest interaction with the light to 

create the product’s special decorative effect. Consequently, glass suncatchers with 

metal frames or rims are classifiable as decorative glassware in subheading 

7013.99, not as articles of metal. The applicable eight-digit subheading is dependent 

on the unit value of the article. 

(When painted entirely by hand and having no text or image applied by a silk screen or 

other process, suncatchers have been classified as paintings in subheading 

9701.10.00, HTSUS. However, when painted entirely by hand with a textual message 

applied by a silk screen process, suncatchers are not regarded as paintings and are 

classified in subheading 7013.99, not subheading 9701.10.00, HTSUS.) 

Note rulings HQ 086166, April 9, 1990; HQ 958885, June 16, 1997; HQ 962170, 

September 17, 1998; HQ 962066, September 22, 1998; HQ 961471, May 4, 1999; HQ 

961004, May 5, 1999. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

Fig.7 Glass Suncatcher with metal 

frame or rim is classifiable as 

decorative glassware in 7013.99, not as 

an article of metal. (When painted 

entirely by hand and having no text or 

image applied by a silk screen or other 

process, suncatchers may be classified 

as paintings in subheading 9701.10.00.) 

Fig. 8 Glass Suncatcher with metal 

frame or rim (including textual message 

applied by a silk screen process) is 

classifiable as decorative glassware in 

7013.99, not as an article of metal. 

(When painted entirely by hand with a 

textual message applied by a silk 

screen or other process, suncatchers 

will not be classified as paintings in 

subheading 9701.10.00.) 

PICTURE FRAMES 

The typical picture frame consists of a frame of metal, plastic, wood or another material 

plus a removable plain glass sheet within the frame. This type of product is usually 

classified based on the material of the frame (plastic, wood, metal, etc.), not the 

glass. The essential character of this type of article under GRI (3)(b) is represented by 

the frame itself, not the glass. Thus, a plastic picture frame with a plain glass sheet or a 

22
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

wooden picture frame with a plain glass sheet is classified as an article of plastics or an 

article of wood, not as an article of decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99, 

HTSUS. 

 Note rulings NY 865249, August 1, 1991; NY 804691, December 22, 1994; NY 851567, 

April 27, 1990; NY A84411, June 17, 1996; NY C83251, January 21, 1998; NY C82163, 

December 2, 1997; NY C85455, April 13, 1998; NY C86191, April 9, 1998; NY B88592, 

September 5, 1997; NY B86930, July 11, 1997; NY E80366, May 5, 1999; NY G83398, 

October 23, 2000. 

However, when the body of a picture frame is itself made of glass, the product is 

classifiable as a decorative glass article in subheading 7013.99. 

 Note NY A85137, July 9, 1996; NY G87418, March 15, 2001. 

When the body of the picture frame is a decorative item consisting of a combination of 

glass and metal channeling, the merchandise will generally be classified as a decorative 

glass article in subheading 7013.99. In this type of product the glass component is 

usually more decorative and has greater appeal to the consumer than the metal. Under 

GRI (3)(b), the essential character of this type of article is usually imparted by the glass 

component, not the metal component. 

 Note NY G82965, November 20, 2000; NY G82966, November 20, 2000; NY G82967, 

November 20, 2000; NY G82968, November 20, 2000; NYG87243, March 7, 2001. 

In recent years, certain glass cubes or boxes with metal channeling or framing 

have been described as “picture frames” because pictures can be held between the 

sheets of glass that make up the body of the box. (Usually other articles can also be 

held within the body of the glass box itself.) This type of article is a glass/metal box of 

the kind described above in the section entitled Glass/Metal Articles. As explained 

above, glass boxes with metal frames or channeling are classifiable as articles of 

decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99, not as articles of metal. The 

essential character of a glass box with metal framing or channeling is imparted by the 

glass body of the box itself, not the metal framing. This is the case even if the box is 

described as a “picture frame.”

 A glass/metal cube or box marketed as a “picture frame” is clearly distinguishable from 

an ordinary picture frame. An ordinary picture frame includes a square or round piece 

of plastic, metal, wood or another material that constitutes the frame plus a removable 

glass sheet within the frame. An ordinary picture frame is not a box. In an ordinary 

picture frame, it is obvious that the frame of wood, plastic, metal or another material 

represents the essential character of the article. However, in a glass box or cube with 

metal channeling, the glass box that comprises the body of the article represents the 

essential character of the merchandise. Even if a box or cube is described as a “picture 

frame,” it is not classifiable based on the metal channeling or frame; it is classifiable in 

subheading 7013.99 based on the glass which forms the body of the box. The 

23
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

applicable eight-digit subheading is dependent on the unit value of the article. 

 Note rulings HQ 962136, December 9, 1998; HQ 962090, January 11, 1999; NY 

C87555, May 15, 1998. 

 (While glass suncatchers completely painted by hand have been classified as paintings 

in heading 9701, HTSUS, glass picture frames and other manufactured articles 

completely painted or decorated by hand are excluded from classification in heading 

9701. See section above on Glass Suncatchers. A picture frame is simply classified 

in subheading 7013.99 when the frame itself is made of glass; heading 9701 is not 

applicable even if the frame is hand-painted or hand-decorated. Note NY G87418, 

March 15, 2001. When the frame itself is made of plastics, wood or metal, the picture 

frame is classified as an article of plastics, wood or metal. Picture frames and other 

manufactured articles should not be classified in heading 9701 even when these items 

are hand-painted or hand-decorated.) 

Fig. 9 Glass Cube or Box with metal channeling is classifiable as 

decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99, not as an article of metal, 

even if referred to as a “picture frame.” 

GLASS AQUARIUMS AND TERRARIUMS 

Glass aquariums and terrariums of the type found in homes and offices are regarded as 

glassware of a kind used for toilet, office, indoor decoration and similar purposes. 

These products are classifiable in subheading 7013.99, HTSUS. The applicable eightdigit subheading is dependent on the unit value of the product. 

 Note rulings NY E84760, August 3, 1999; NY E87511, October 7, 1999; NY G84161, 

November 21, 2000; HQ 963807, November 21, 2000. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

GARDEN GLOBES 

A garden globe consists of a decorative glass globe or ball on a stand (of plastic, 

agglomerated stone or another material). As indicated by its name, this type of item 

is generally placed in a garden. 

Rulings have held that the essential character of the garden globe is represented 

by the decorative glass globe or ball, not the stand. (See the principle explained 

above in the section on Glass/Metal Articles.) The stand is merely ancillary. A 

consumer who purchases this product focuses on the glass article, not the stand which 

supports it. 

Garden globes are classified in subheading 7013.99 under the provision for 

glassware of a kind used for...toilet, office, indoor decoration and similar purposes. 

They are not classified based on the material of their stands. 

Note rulings NY F81643, January 28, 2000; HQ 963274, April 4, 2001. 

Some importers have argued that glass garden globes should be classified in heading 

7020 as other articles of glass. Since garden globes are not articles used for “indoor 

decoration,” these importers have maintained that this merchandise should not be 

classified in subheading 7013.99. However, U.S. Customs has rejected this position 

and classified glass garden globes in subheading 7013.99 because this provision is not 

limited to glassware for indoor decoration. A wide variety of glass articles are covered 

by the broad category of “glassware...for toilet, office, indoor decoration and similar 

purposes” provided for in subheading 7013.99. 

With the exception of table/kitchen glassware (covered by subheadings 7013.22, 

7013.28, 7013.33, 7013.37, 7013.41, 7013.42 and 7013.49), the 7013.91/7013.99 

subheadings generally cover the full range of household and similar glass articles. It 

has been held that the provision covering “glassware...for toilet, office, indoor decoration 

and similar purposes” (emphasis supplied) in subheading 7013.99 is broad enough to 

include decorative glass articles found in the garden. The phrase “and similar 

purposes” in the language of the provision allows us to classify most household items 

(not only those used for indoor decoration) in subheading 7013.99. This phrase allows 

us to classify garden ornaments of glass in subheading 7013.99. The household 

articles embraced by subheading 7013.99 include decorative glass articles found in the 

garden (an extension of the home). 

In the section on Glass/Metal Articles above, we discussed the classification of a glass 

vessel - capable of holding material - on a metal stand, and explained the guidelines for 

determining the applicable eight-digit subheading under heading 7013 for this 

merchandise. When a glass article imported with a metal stand can stand on its own, 

the applicable unit value is based on the value of the glass article alone, not the 

combined value of the glass and the stand. However, when a glass vessel (capable of 

holding material) cannot stand on its own (e.g., a bell shaped glass vessel), the correct 

25
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

eight-digit subheading will be determined based on the value of the glass vessel plus its 

stand. 

Glass garden globes on stands are distinguishable from glass vessels – capable of 

holding material – on stands. If a glass vessel capable of holding material cannot stand 

on its own, it is not regarded as a product of subheading 7013.99 (a decorative glass 

article) unless it is on its stand. Without the stand, it is merely a part of a decorative 

article. Therefore, the unit value for a glass vessel – capable of holding material – on a 

stand will be based on the combined value of the vessel and the stand when the glass 

cannot stand on its own. However, the glass garden globe is a decorative glass article 

in its own right – with or without its stand and whether or not it can stand on its own. 

Consequently, the applicable eight-digit subheading under heading 7013 for a glass 

garden globe on a stand will be based on the unit value of the globe alone whether or 

not it can stand on its own. The applicable 7013.99 subheading for a glass garden 

globe on a stand will not be based on the combined value of the globe and the stand. 

LAMPWORKED GLASS ORNAMENTS: HEADING 7018 VS. HEADING 7013 

While decorative glass articles are generally classifiable in subheading 7013.99, 

ornaments of lampworked glass are classifiable in a special provision – 

subheading 7018.90.50, HTSUS. 

Lampworked glass ornaments are usually very small glass items – e.g., small glass 

candies or small glass animals. 

 There are two methods of producing lampworked glass: 

• Working glass in the pasty state with a blow-pipe. 

• Softening and shaping glass rods over a flame. 

The second process listed above - softening and shaping glass rods over a flame - 

is the most common method of producing lampworked glass ornaments today. 

 

Note ruling HQ 950837, May 4, 1992. 

Sometimes products which are not actually lampworked (items classifiable as 

decorative glassware in subheading 7013.99) are entered incorrectly as lampworked 

glass ornaments in heading 7018. Glass articles should be entered as lampworked only 

if the merchandise is actually produced by the method known as lampworking. 

An importer who claims that a product consists of lampworked glass must submit 

detailed information to U.S. Customs on the precise production process. This 

information should be on the letterhead of the manufacturer. 

26
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

Fig. 10 Lampworked glass articles 

7018 

GLASS SMALLWARES: HEADING 7018 VS. HEADING 7013 

In addition to lampworked glass articles, heading 7018 covers imitation pearls, glass 

beads and other glass smallwares. 

The provision for glass smallwares has been limited to items that are not shaped into 

clearly identifiable creatures or objects. For example, small glass “nuggets” have been 

held to be glass smallwares classifiable in subheading 7018.10.50, HTSUS. 

Note ruling HQ 957456, June 21, 1995. 

However, if a small glass item is in the form of a recognizable object, animal or person, 

it cannot be classified as a glass smallware in heading 7018. Small glass articles in the 

shape of recognizable objects or figures can be classified in subheading 7018.90.50 

only if they are lampworked. If these recognizable figures or objects are not produced 

by the lampworked method, they cannot be classified as glass smallwares in 

subheading 7018.10; they are classifiable as decorative glassware in subheading 

7013.99. 

Thus, HQ 959404, dated July 21, 1997, held that a small glass sea shell which was not 

produced by lampworking was classifiable as a decorative glass article in subheading 

7013.99, not as a glass smallware in subheading 7018.10.50. 

OTHER ARTICLES OF GLASS: HEADING 7020 VS. HEADING 7013 

The vast majority of imported glass articles are household items classifiable in heading 

7013. Subheadings 7013.28, 7013.37 and 7013.49 cover drinking glasses and other 

27
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

table/kitchen glassware. Subheading 7013.99 covers the gamut of glass household 

articles other than table/kitchen glassware. By providing for glassware for toilet, office, 

indoor decoration and similar purposes, subheading 7013.99 embraces a wide variety 

of glass articles used in the home, office, toilet, garden, etc. 

Most glass articles are provided for in heading 7013; relatively few are covered by 

heading 7020 which provides for other articles of glass. Household articles classifiable 

in heading 7013 are often entered incorrectly in heading 7020. 

The products covered by heading 7020 are generally limited to the following items: 

• Glass articles used in industrial or factory contexts. 

• Glass dummy bottles used in store displays. 

• Parts of glass articles classifiable in heading 7013 when imported 

 in their complete state, assuming the part is not itself an article that 

 can be classified in heading 7013. 

Note rulings HQ 087114, August 3, 1990; HQ 950633, February 7, 1992; HQ 952405, 

November 4, 1992; HQ 953384, September 14, 1993; HQ 957367, March 24, 1995; HQ 

957413, March 31, 1995. 

Glass dummy bottles are oversized items which imitate the forms of containers (e.g., 

giant-sized mock perfume bottles or giant-sized mock whiskey bottles) and are used for 

advertising in store displays. Since these items are not genuine containers (i.e., since 

they are not principally used to convey or pack merchandise that will be sold 

commercially), they cannot be classified as glass containers in heading 7010. 

Obviously, they are not household articles classifiable in heading 7013. Therefore, 

glass dummy bottles (items used in store displays) are classified as other articles of 

glass in heading 7020. 

Note HQ 952405, November 4, 1992. 

While heading 7013 provides for a wide variety of glass household articles, this 

provision does not cover parts of these articles. When imported by itself, a part of a 

product classifiable in heading 7013 when complete would be classified in heading 

7020, assuming the part is not an article in its own right. 

HQ 087114, dated August 3, 1990, addressed the classification of imported glass 

shapes which would be combined with other glass shapes after importation and used as 

parts to make a complete decorative article (classifiable in subheading 7013.99). The 

ruling held that the imported glass shapes would be regarded as parts and would be 

classified as other articles of glass in heading 7020, assuming these parts were not 

decorative articles in their own right. (If all the parts needed to make a complete 

28
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

decorative glass article were imported together, the merchandise could be regarded as 

an unassembled article of decorative glassware classifiable in subheading 7013.99.) 

A glass item (designed to hold materials such as flowers, potpourri, etc.) imported on a 

metal stand is classified as a decorative glass article in subheading 7013.99, HTSUS. 

See section on Glass/Metal Articles above. If the glass vessel is imported without the 

metal stand and is capable of standing on its own (e.g., a glass vase, bowl, etc.), it will 

still be classified in subheading 7013.99, HTS, because it is an article in its own right, 

not merely a part. However, if this glass item designed to hold materials is not capable 

of standing on its own (e.g., a glass bell shaped vessel) and is imported without the 

metal stand, it will be regarded as a part and classified in heading 7020. 

Note HQ 953384, September 14, 1993; HQ 957367, March 24, 1995; HQ 957413, 

March 31, 1995. 

A garden globe consisting of a decorative glass ball on a stand of agglomerated stone, 

plastics or another material is classifiable as a decorative glass article in subheading 

7013.99, HTS. See section on Garden Globes above. Even when imported without its 

stand, the glass globe is classifiable in subheading 7013.99, whether or not it can stand 

on its own. It is not classifiable in heading 7020 even if it cannot stand on its own. 

Subheading 7013.99 applies because the garden globe is a decorative glass article in 

its own right whether or not it can stand on its own. It is not merely a part; therefore, 

heading 7020 does not apply. 

Note HQ 963274, April 4, 2001; HQ 964629, April 4, 2001. 

The glass garden globe is distinguishable from the glass vessel used to hold material. If 

the item used to hold material cannot stand on its own, it will not be regarded as an 

article in its own right when imported without the stand. If a vessel cannot stand on its 

own, it cannot perform its function of holding material and is merely a part classifiable in 

heading 7020 when imported without the stand. However, the garden globe is a 

decorative article in it own right, even when it is imported without its stand and cannot 

stand on its own. Therefore, the garden globe is classifiable in subheading 7013.99 

(not heading 7020) even when imported without is stand, whether or not it can stand on 

is own. 

29
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

Fig. 11 Glass dummy bottle for store display 

7020. 

THE IMPORTER’S RESPONSIBILITIES 

Since the enactment of the Customs Modernization Act in December 1993, the legal 

burden of correctly classifying merchandise has shifted from U.S. Customs to the 

importer, who must use reasonable care in carrying out this responsibility. Prior to 

importation, the importer of record is responsible for determining the nature, size, 

material composition, principal use and unit value of the merchandise in question. 

The importer of decorative glass articles and similar household glassware should be 

aware of the distinctions between the various subheadings of heading 7013 that are 

based on unit value. The importer must understand that the value referred to in these 

subheadings is the value of a single glass article. Merchandise should not be entered 

under a subheading based on the value of several glass articles packed together. 

An importer of glass articles who intends to claim that the merchandise consists of lead 

crystal must verify that the articles contain at least 24 percent lead monoxide by weight. 

Anyone who wishes to claim that merchandise consists of pressed and toughened 

(specially tempered) glassware should verify that the product meets the tests for 

specially tempered glass explained earlier in this publication. See the section entitled 

Subheading 7013.99.20: Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) 

Glassware. 

Importers of glassware should understand the requirements for the special types of 

glass articles (colored bubble glass, thread or ribbon glassware, pictorial glass, etc.) 

covered by subheading 7013.99.10, HTSUS. Merchandise should be entered in this 

30
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

subheading only if the importer is certain that the products meet the unique 

requirements of this provision. If a claim is made that a product is classifiable in 

subheading 7013.99.10, HTSUS, the importer must obtain a complete description of the 

manufacturing process for this article on the letterhead of the foreign producer and must 

submit this information as well as a sample to U.S. Customs. See Informed Compliance 

Publication entitled: What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About:

Colored Bubble Glass and Other Special Types of Glassware, issued April 2006. 

Merchandise should be entered in subheading 7013.99.30, HTSUS, under the provision 

for smokers’ articles and perfume bottles with ground glass stoppers only if the imported 

articles meet the criteria for the products described in this provision. See sections 

above on Subheading 7013.99.30: Smokers’ Articles and Subheading 7013.99.30: 

Perfume Bottles with Ground Glass Stoppers. 

Importers of glassware should understand the distinctions between votive (i.e., 

religious/memorial) candle holders classifiable in subheading 7013.99.35, general 

purpose candle holders classifiable in Chapter 94 and general purpose decorative glass 

articles classifiable in subheading 7013.99.50 (or another 7013.99 subheading 

depending on the unit value of the glass article). See Informed Compliance Publication 

entitled: What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: New 

Decisions on Candle Holders vs. Decorative Glass Articles, issued April 2006. 

The correct classification of many glass articles (e.g., smokers’ articles classifiable in 

subheading 7013.99.30, votive candle holders of subheading 7013.99.35, general 

purpose candle holders of Chapter 94, general purpose decorative glassware 

classifiable in various 7013.99 subheadings depending on unit value, etc.) is determined 

based on the principal use of the imported merchandise. The importer should 

understand the concept of principal use - i.e., that use which exceeds each other single 

use in the United States for merchandise of the same class or kind as the imported 

product. The form of the article as imported determines its class or kind, which 

determines its principal use. The shape and the size of an imported article are both 

factors that contribute to the definition of its form. The importer should understand that 

the actual use of the imported article might not be the same as its principal use. 

When classification is dependent on the principal use of the imported product, it may be 

helpful for the importer to submit marketing and advertising literature indicating how the 

merchandise will be marketed and used. However, the importer should understand that 

this information might not be the deciding factor in any determination regarding 

classification. Although the submitted information will assist U.S. Customs in its 

analysis, classification is based on principal use, not actual use. The form of the article 

as imported will ultimately be more significant in the determination of principal use than 

advertising or marketing material that simply documents the actual use of the product. 

Importers of merchandise consisting of both glass and metal components should be 

familiar with the proper classification of these products. The vast majority of glass/metal 

products (glass boxes with metal edging or channeling, glass vessels on metal stands, 

31
Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

glass articles with metal lids, etc.) must be classified as glass articles in heading 7013, 

not as articles of metal. See section on Glass/Metal Articles above. 

Importers of glass water globes or snow globes should be familiar with the classification 

principles outlined in the section above on Glass Globes or Domes. Generally, a glass 

globe or dome on a base with a figure or object inside the globe (and no figures or 

objects outside the globe) will be classified as a decorative glass article in subheading 

7013.99. When there are figures or objects both inside and outside the globe, 

classification will generally be based on the material of the figures or objects. 

The importer should remember that the vast majority of glass household articles are 

classified in heading 7013. These products should not be entered as other glass 

articles in heading 7020 - a provision that is generally limited to glass articles used in 

industrial or factory contexts. 

Prior to the importation of a particular glass article, an importer or a foreign supplier who 

wishes to verify the classification of the product may request a binding ruling from U.S. 

Customs. See Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 177). A ruling request 

should include a sample of the item as well as information on its use and precise 

composition. 

The request should indicate the unit value at which the glass article will be sold by the 

foreign seller to the U.S. importer. If the inquirer believes that the product consists of a 

special type of glass (e.g., specially tempered glassware, lead crystal glassware, glassceramics, colored bubble glass, etc.), the ruling request should include a statement 

indicating this belief. (For certain types of special glassware – e.g., thread or ribbon 

glassware, pictorial glass, colored bubble glass, etc. – the letter should also provide full 

details regarding the manufacturing process.) The ruling request should state the brand 

name or style number of the glass article, the country of origin and the port or ports at 

which the product will be imported. 

If a prospective importer or foreign supplier of a specific glass article is uncertain about 

any of the classification issues discussed in this publication, a request for a tariff 

classification ruling on this product may be sent to U.S. Customs and Border Prtoection 

prior to importation. 

Ruling requests may be mailed to United States Customs and Border Protection, One 

Penn Plaza, Customs Information Exchange (C.I.E.), 10th Floor, New York, NY 10119, 

Attention: Binding Rulings Section. 

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April 2010 

INVOICING REQUIREMENTS 

In accordance with Section 141.86 of the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 141.86), 

invoices should describe the precise nature and use of the merchandise. Each 

component material of the article should be identified. 

The precise form of the article should be described (e.g., vase, glass vessel on metal 

stand, figurine or statuette, glass water globe, aquarium, terrarium, garden globe, glass 

box with metal channeling, glass suncatcher, ashtray, perfume bottle with ground glass 

stopper, etc.). The height of the product should be indicated. For a vessel that will be 

used to hold other material, the invoice should indicate the vessel’s depth and the size 

of its opening. 

The invoice should indicate the unit value at which the article is sold by the foreign firm 

to the U.S. importer, the quantity of the merchandise imported and the total value of this 

merchandise. 

The importer must remember that the applicable eight-digit subheading for most 

products classifiable in heading 7013 is dependent on the unit value of a single glass 

article. The invoice should indicate the unit value of a single article, not the value of 

several items packed together. 

If the article is made of a special type of glass (e.g., specially tempered glassware, lead 

crystal glassware or glass-ceramics), the invoice should state this information. A 

product should be invoiced as pressed and toughened (specially tempered) glassware 

only if it meets the standards described above in the section entitled Subheading 

7013.99.20: Pressed and Toughened (Specially Tempered) Glassware. A product 

should be invoiced as lead crystal glassware only if it contains at least 24 percent lead 

monoxide by weight. 

If a claim is made that a product is one of the special items covered by subheading 

7013.99.10 (colored bubble glass, millefiori glassware, pictorial glass, etc.), the invoice 

should describe the merchandise completely in light of the requirements of this 

provision. See Informed Compliance Publication entitled: What Every Member of the 

Trade Community Should Know About: Colored Bubble Glass and Other Special 

Types of Glassware, issued April 2006. 

When a classification claim is made based on the use of the article (e.g., the product is 

claimed to be a smoker’s article or a votive candle holder), the invoice should describe 

the use of the product. Of course, the importer should remember that classification will 

ultimately be based on the principal use of merchandise of the same class or kind as 

the imported product, not the actual use of that item. See sections above on 

Subheading 7013.99.30: Smokers’ Articles and Subheading 7013.99.30: Perfume 

Bottles with Ground Glass Stoppers. See previous Informed Compliance Publication 

entitled: What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: New 

Decisions on Candle Holders vs. Decorative Glass Articles, issued April 2006. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

The Internet 

The home page of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the Internet’s World Wide 

Web, provides the trade community with current, relevant information regarding CBP 

operations and items of special interest. The site posts information -- which includes 

proposed regulations, news releases, publications and notices, etc. -- that can be 

searched, read on-line, printed or downloaded to your personal computer. The web site 

was established as a trade-friendly mechanism to assist the importing and exporting 

community. The web site also links to the home pages of many other agencies whose 

importing or exporting regulations that U.S. Customs and Border Protection helps to 

enforce. The web site also contains a wealth of information of interest to a broader 

public than the trade community. For instance, the “Know Before You Go” publication 

and traveler awareness campaign is designed to help educate international travelers. 

 

The web address of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is http://www.cbp.gov

Customs Regulations 

The current edition of Customs and Border Protection Regulations of the United States 

is a loose-leaf, subscription publication available from the Superintendent of 

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; telephone (202) 

512-1800. A bound edition of Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations is also available for 

sale from the same address. All proposed and final regulations are published in the 

Federal Register, which is published daily by the Office of the Federal Register, National 

Archives and Records Administration, and distributed by the Superintendent of 

Documents. Information about on-line access to the Federal Register may be obtained 

by calling (202) 512-1530 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. These notices are 

also published in the weekly Customs Bulletin described below. 

Customs Bulletin 

The Customs Bulletin and Decisions (“Customs Bulletin”) is a weekly publication that 

contains decisions, rulings, regulatory proposals, notices and other information of 

interest to the trade community. It also contains decisions issued by the U.S. Court of 

International Trade, as well as customs-related decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals 

for the Federal Circuit. Each year, the Government Printing Office publishes bound 

volumes of the Customs Bulletin. Subscriptions may be purchased from the 

Superintendent of Documents at the address and phone number listed above. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

Importing into the United States 

This publication provides an overview of the importing process and contains general 

information about import requirements. The current edition of Importing Into the United 

States contains much new and revised material brought about pursuant to the Customs 

Modernization Act (“Mod Act”). The Mod Act has fundamentally altered the relationship 

between importers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by shifting to the importer 

the legal responsibility for declaring the value, classification, and rate of duty applicable 

to entered merchandise. 

The current edition contains a section entitled "Informed Compliance." A key component 

of informed compliance is the shared responsibility between U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection and the import community, wherein CBP communicates its requirements to 

the importer, and the importer, in turn, uses reasonable care to assure that CBP is 

provided accurate and timely data pertaining to his or her importation. 

Single copies may be obtained from local offices of U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection, or from the Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20229. An on-line version is 

available at the CBP web site. Importing into the United States is also available for 

sale, in single copies or bulk orders, from the Superintendent of Documents by calling 

(202) 512-1800, or by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing 

Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7054. 

Informed Compliance Publications 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has prepared a number of Informed Compliance 

publications in the “What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know 

About:...” series. Check the Internet web site http://www.cbp.gov for current 

publications. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

Value Publications 

Customs Valuation under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 is a 96-page book 

containing a detailed narrative description of the customs valuation system, the customs 

valuation title of the Trade Agreements Act (§402 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended 

by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. §1401a)), the Statement of 

Administrative Action which was sent to the U.S. Congress in conjunction with the TAA, 

regulations (19 C.F.R. §§152.000-152.108) implementing the valuation system (a few 

sections of the regulations have been amended subsequent to the publication of the 

book) and questions and answers concerning the valuation system. 

Customs Valuation Encyclopedia (with updates) is comprised of relevant statutory 

provisions, CBP Regulations implementing the statute, portions of the Customs 

Valuation Code, judicial precedent, and administrative rulings involving application of 

valuation law. A copy may be purchased for a nominal charge from the Superintendent 

of Documents, Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-

7054. This publication is also available on the Internet web site of U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection. 

The information provided in this publication is for general information 

purposes only. Recognizing that many complicated factors may be 

involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under 

CBP Regulations, 19 C.F.R. Part 177, or obtain advice from an expert 

(such as a licensed Customs Broker, attorney or consultant) who 

specializes in customs matters. Reliance solely on the general 

information in this pamphlet may not be considered reasonable care.

Additional information may also be obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

ports of entry. Please consult your telephone directory for an office near you. The 

listing will be found under U.S. Government, Department of Homeland Security. 

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Decorative Glassware 

April 2010 

“Your Comments are Important” 

The Small Business and Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 regional 

Fairness Boards were established to receive comments from small businesses about 

Federal agency enforcement activities and rate each agency’s responsiveness to small 

business. If you wish to comment on the enforcement actions of U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). 

REPORT SMUGGLING 1-800-BE-ALERT OR 1-800-NO-DROGA 

Visit our Internet web site: http://www.cbp.gov

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