Import classification of doll sound devices turned on functional character as a dedicated component, not independent equipment.

Technical evidence and trade literature showed that the imported talking movement was specially designed as a sound device for crying dolls, fitted into a cavity in the doll, and had no independent use as electronic equipment or a mini record player. Because the device functioned only as a component of dolls and any interchangeability was limited to other dolls, it was treated according to its functional character for import policy purposes. The mechanism was therefore covered by the relevant import policy provision as a component sound device for crying dolls.

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Issues: Whether the imported talking movements were components for crying dolls and therefore eligible for import under the applicable import policy.

Analysis: The technical opinions of the designated authority and other scientific bodies, together with the supplier's catalogue and literature, indicated that the talking movement was a sound device intended for use only in dolls and toys, and not an electronic equipment or mini record player. The dolls were specially designed with a cavity to receive the device, and the evidence showed that the device completed the doll as intended. The possibility of interchangeability was found to be limited to different types of dolls, not to unrelated uses. On that material, the objection to treating the goods as components was not accepted.

Conclusion: The imported mechanism was held to be a component sound device for crying dolls and was covered by the relevant import policy provision.

Ratio Decidendi: Where the technical evidence and trade literature establish that an imported item is specially designed as a component for a particular product and has no independent use outside that product, it must be treated according to that functional character for import policy purposes.

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