United States Court of International Trade.
*1295 Neville Peterson LLP (John M. Peterson, Michael T. Cone, and Maria E. Celis), for Plaintiff.
*1296 Peter D. Keisler, Assistant Attorney General; Barbara S. Williams, Attorney in Charge, International Trade Field Office, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice (Mikki Graves Walser); Yelena Slepak, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, International Trade Litigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, of Counsel; for Defendant.
RIDGWAY, Judge.
At stake in this action is the tariff classification of more than 280 articles imported by plaintiff Wilton Industries, Inc. including cake toppers, as well as wedding cake figurine/topper bases, separator plates, pillars, columns, plate legs, and plate pegs; wedding cake fresh flower holders, inserts, and bowls; place card holders; various models and styles of bakeware; cookie cutters and cookie stamps; cake picks; and cake presses and cooking tools. The merchandise was imported from the People's Republic of China through the Port of Chicago between May 5, 1999 and July 22, 1999. All entries were liquidated between March 17, 2000 and June 2, 2000.
Over the course of litigation, the parties have reached agreement on the classification of 123 articles. See Stipulation (Oct. 16, 2002).[1] In addition, Wilton has abandoned its claims as to another 15 articles. See Plaintiff's Amended Statement of Material Facts As To Which No Genuine Issue Exists ¶¶ 2-6.
Now pending before the Court are the parties' cross-motions for summary judgment as to the 158 articles still at issue. Wilton contends that all remaining merchandise is properly classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS"),[2] duty-free. See generally Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment ("Pl.'s Brief'); Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment ("Pl.'s Reply Brief"); Supplement to Plaintiff's Memorandum of Points and Authorities ("Pl.'s Supp. Brief"); Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Supplemental Memorandum ("Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief").
According to the Government, however, the U.S. Customs Service properly classified the remaining merchandise under HTSUS heading 3924, heading 3926, heading 7615, or heading 7323 (depending on the item at issue),[3] liquidating it at rates of duty ranging from 3.1% to 6.5% ad valorem. See generally Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment ("Def.'s Brief"); Defendant's Reply to Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment *1297 ("Def.'s Reply Brief"); Defendant's Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and In Support of Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment ("Def.'s Supp. Brief"); Defendant's Reply to Plaintiff's Supplement to Plaintiff's Memorandum of Points and Authorities ("Def.'s Supp. Reply Brief").
For the reasons set forth below, both Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment are granted in part and denied in part.
On its website an online paradise for the aspiring Martha Stewarts of the world plaintiff Wilton Industries, Inc. promotes itself as "the number one preferred brand name in baking and cake decorating products for over 50 years."[4] Wilton is both a retailer (selling directly to the public, through its Online Store and its catalog, the "Yearbook of Cake Decorating") and a wholesaler (selling to general merchandise and specialty stores, such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Michael's).[5]
*1298 This Page Contains Footnotes.
*1299 Wilton sells the imported merchandise at issue (described in greater detail below) as seasonal goods, and as goods associated with certain special occasions. All of the merchandise is imported and sold only in conjunction with holidays or other special occasions. Many of the items are marketed in connection with a particular holiday such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, or. Halloween and are designed and intended specifically for use in celebration of that holiday. Other goods are marketed for so-called "private festive occasions," such as birthdays, or weddings and anniversaries, and are similarly designed and intended specifically for use on such an occasion.
The merchandise that Wilton sells in connection with a holiday (such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Halloween) is advertised and marketed in the appropriate section of the "Seasonal Shop" of Wilton's Online Store (e.g., the Christmas, Valentine's Day, Or Halloween section), and in the appropriate section of Wilton's Yearbook catalog (e.g., the Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Halloween, section). In stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Michael's, such holiday merchandise is displayed and sold in the seasonal section or festive products section of the store. The stores display the holiday merchandise only in the weeks immediately preceding the holiday with which the merchandise is associated. Thus, for example, shoppers will not find Christmas tree cookie cutters or Santa-shaped baking pans on display in stores in the summer months, Nor does Wilton offer such merchandise in its Online Store or its Yearbook catalog, except in the Christmas sections. In Wilton's Online Store, in its Yearbook catalog, and in the retail stores that carry Wilton's merchandise (e.g., Target, Wal-Mart, and Michael's), Wilton's holiday-specific merchandise is displayed and marketed alongside other holiday merchandise, including festive cookware, kitchenware, and bakeware (such as Halloween cookie jars, Christmas dinnerware, or Valentine's Day mugs, depending on the holiday season).
Merchandise like the non-holiday merchandise at issue wedding and anniversary merchandise, and birthday and other non-holiday bakeware, for example is advertised and marketed in the "Wedding Shop," the "Theme & Character Shop," or the "Novelty Shaped Pans" section of the "Bakeware Shop" of Wilton's Online Store, and in the "Wedding," "Famous Characters," *1300 or "Novelty Pans" section of Wilton's Yearbook catalog (as appropriate). Stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Michael's display such merchandise yearround in the "wedding" and/or the "birthday" or "party goods" sections of their stores (as appropriate).
As described in greater detail below, the remaining merchandise at issue includes various styles of wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs; Cherub Place Card Holders; several dozen different items of bakeware, as well as cookie cutters and cookie stamps; and certain cake press sets.
Wedding Cake Separator Plates, Pillars/Columns, and Plate Legs. The wedding merchandise remaining at issue consists of wedding cake "separator plates," pillars and columns, and separator plate "legs." All of the items are made of plastic, and are designed to be used together to separate the tiers of a multi-tiered wedding cake, to enhance the cake's appearance and appeal at wedding celebrations.[6]
Separator plates support each of the tiers of a multi-tiered wedding cake. The separator plates are typically round (ranging from six to eighteen inches in diameter), but also come in other shapes, including square, hexagon, oval, and heartshaped. A separator plate can be converted to a "base plate" (used to support the bottom tier of a cake, generally the largest of the tiers) by the addition of one-inch plate "legs." Plate "pegs" which are no longer at issue in this action are used to anchor the cake tiers themselves to the separator plates, and to prevent the tiers of the cake from slipping off the separator plates when the cake is cut. The coordinating pillars and columns range from three to eleven inches tall, and are designed to snap onto the undersides of the separator plates, to separate and support each tier of the wedding cake.
Because they are visible parts of a tiered wedding cake as it is presented, items such as separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs must be not only strong, but also aesthetically pleasing. Thus, descriptions of the items emphasize their beauty, as well as their strength and their stability. And, while the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are actually made of plastic (and thus are inexpensive enough to be disposable), they are designed to look like they are made from finely-cut crystal and other expensive materials. They are also sold in several different styles (some elegantly simple and others more ornate, some traditional and others more modern), to coordinate with one another,[7] and to appeal to the differing personal tastes of bridal couples by enhancing whatever overall look they are seeking to create with their wedding cake.
*1301 Although Wilton claims that the merchandise is properly classifiable as "festive articles" under. HTSUS heading 9505, Customs liquidated the wedding cake separator plates, pillars, and columns as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Plates, cups, saucers, soup bowls, cereal bowls, sugar bowls, creamers, gravy boats, serving dishes and platters" and "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other," under subheadings 3924.10.20 and 3924.10.50, respectively. The plate legs were liquidated as "Other articles of plastics . . .: Other: Other," under subheading 3926.90.98.[8]
Cherub Place Card Holders. Wilton's Cherub Place Card Holders are classic, bisque white cherub figurines (approximately three-and-one-half inches tall), designed for use at wedding receptions to hold place cards designating guests' seating assignments or guests' places at their tables, and to coordinate with other stylistic and design elements of the nuptial celebration. Like the other wedding merchandise discussed above, the place card holders are made of plastic, so as to be inexpensive enough to be disposable.
Wilton contends that the Cherub Place Card Holders are properly classifiable as "festive articles" under HTSUS heading 9505. However, Customs liquidated them under subheadings 3924.10.20 and 3926.90.98, as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Table and kitchenware: Plates, cups, saucers, soup bowls, cereal bowls, sugar bowls, creamers, gravy boats, serving dishes and platters" and "Other articles of plastics . . .: Other: Other," respectively.[9]
Cake Press Sets. Cake presses are used to stamp or imprint special designs, messages, or greetings onto frosted cakes. Typically, contrasting frosting or other edible material is then piped onto the design or lettering, to further highlight it. The cake press sets at issue here feature greetings and sentiments such as "Merry Christmas," "Happy New Year," and "Congratulations," as well as presses of individual words to be used in combination to form messages and greetings, such as "Best" and "Wishes." The cake presses are made of plastic, and thus are inexpensive enough to be disposable.
Although Wilton claims that the cake press sets are properly classifiable as "festive articles" under HTSUS heading 9505, Customs liquidated them under Chapter 39, "Plastics and Articles Thereof."[10]
*1302 Bakeware, Cookie Cutters, and Cookie Stamps. The bakeware at issue consists of baking pans which are made of aluminum (except for one pan), cookie cutters made of plastic (or, in one instance, stainless steel), and plastic cookie stamps.
With holiday baking a tradition in many households, Wilton's line of bakeware predictably includes pans marketed for specific holidays (including pans in shapes such as Santa, a snowman, a heart, and a jack-o-lantern), as well as pans in a wide range of other shapes (including, inter alia, a dinosaur, a football, a sports utility vehicle, and a horseshoe, as well as characters and themes with special appeal for children, such as Blue's Clues and Barbie). In addition to their special shapes, a number of the pans also feature designs in "relief' or raised designs which are molded into the pans themselves. The baking pans can be filled with cake batter (or, in a few instances, cookie dough or pie crust dough), and placed in the oven. When removed from the pan after baking, the cake or other treat takes the special shape of the pan, and may or may not be further decorated.
Like its baking pans, Wilton's cookie cutters are in assorted shapes such as Santa, a gingerbread man, a snowflake, a jack-o-lantern, a ghost, and a heart. The cookie cutters can be pressed down on cookie dough, producing "cut-outs" that after baking yield cookies in the shapes of the cutters. The resulting cookies may or may not be further decorated.
Wilton's cookie stamps also feature a variety of designs and, motifs such as a Christmas tree, a gingerbread man, and a jack-o-lantern. When a cookie stamp is pressed onto cookie dough, it "stamps" the dough with an imprint a design or motif. The design or motif is then baked into the cookie itself. As with cookies produced using cookie cutters, cookies featuring stamped designs or motifs may or may not be further decorated after baking.
Over Wilton's objections, Customs liquidated the bakeware as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other" under subheading 7615.19.70, except for one pan, which was liquidated as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of iron or steel; . . .: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Cookingware" under subheading 7323.99.70. The cookie cutters and cookie stamps were liquidated as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other," under subheading 3924.10.50 (with the exception of one material cookie cutter, which was liquidated as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of iron or steel; . . .: Other: Of stainless steel," under subheading 7323.93.00). Wilton contends that all the merchandise is properly classifiable as "festive articles" under HTSUS heading 9505.
As discussed above, the Government maintains that Customs properly classified the merchandise at issue under various subheadings of HTSUS headings 3924, 3926, 7615, and 7323. However, relevant Section and Chapter Notes specifically and expressly exclude merchandise from classification under those headings if as Wilton contends the merchandise is classifiable under heading 9505.[11]See Section Note *1303 1(l) (excluding from classification under Section XV including, inter alia, headings under Chapters 73 and 76 "[a]rticles of chapter 95"), Section XV ("Base Metals and Articles of Base Metals"), HTSUS; Chapter Note 2(v) (excluding from classification under headings under Chapter 39 "[a]rticles of chapter 95"), Chapter 39 ("Plastics and Articles Thereof'), HTSUS; see also Midwest of Cannon Falls, Inc. v. United States, 122 F.3d 1423, 1429 (Fed. Cir.1997) (discussing application of similar exclusionary Chapter Note, in "festive articles" case); Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, 347 F.3d 922, 926, 928 (Fed.Cir. 2003) (discussing application of similar exclusionary Section Note, in "festive articles" case). Accordingly, if the merchandise at issue is classifiable under HTSUS heading 9505, the merchandise cannot be classified as Customs liquidated it.
In its entirety, the text of HTSUS heading 9505 including its subheadings reads:
9505 Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles,
including magic tricks and practical joke
articles; parts and accessories thereof:
9505.10 Articles for Christmas festivities and parts
and accessories thereof:
Christmas ornaments:
9505.10.10 Of glass
Other:
9505.10.15 Of wood
9505.10.25 Other
9505.10.30 Nativity scenes and figures thereof
Other:
9505.10.40 Of plastics
Artificial Christmas trees
Other
9505.10.50 Other
Artificial Christmas trees
Other
9505.90 Other:
9505.90.20 Magic tricks and practical joke articles;
parts and accessories thereof
9505.90.40 Confetti, paper spirals or streamers, party
favors and noisemakers; parts and
accessories thereof
9505.90.60 Other
See Heading 9505, HTSUS.
The Explanatory Notes to heading 9505, in turn, further provide:
95.05 FESTIVE, CARNIVAL OR OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ARTICLES, INCLUDING CONJURING TRICKS AND NOVELTY JOKES
9505. 10 Articles for Christmas festivities
9505.90 Other
This heading covers:
(A) Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles, which in view of their intended use are generally made of non-durable material. They include:
(1) Decorations such as festoons, garlands, Chinese lanterns, etc., as well as various decorative articles made of paper, metal foil, glass fibre, etc., for Christmas trees (e.g., tinsel, stars, icicles), artificial snow, coloured balls, bells, lanterns, etc. Cake and other decorations (e.g., animals, flags) which are traditionally associated with a particular festival are also classified here.
(2) Articles traditionally used at Christmas festivities, e.g., artificial Christmas trees (these are sometimes of the folding type), nativity scenes, Christmas crackers, Christmas stockings, imitation yule logs.
(3) Articles of fancy dress, e.g., masks, false ears and noses, wigs, false beards and moustaches (not being articles of postiche heading 67.04), and paper hats. However, the heading excludes fancy dress of textile materials, of Chapter 61 or 62.
(4) Throw-balls of paper or cottonwool, paper streamers (carnival *1304 tape), cardboard trumpets, "blowouts", confetti, carnival umbrellas, etc.
The heading excludes statuettes, statues and the like of a kind used for decorating places of worship.
(B) Conjuring tricks and novelty jokes, e.g., packs of cards, tables, screens and containers, specially designed for the performance of conjuring tricks; novelty jokes such as sneezing powder, surprise sweets, water-jet button-holes and "Japanese flowers":
This heading also excludes:
(a) Natural Christmas trees (Chapter 6).
(b) Christmas candles and Christmas tree candles (heading 34.06).
(c) Packagings of plastics or of paper, used during festivals (classified according to constituent material, for example, Chapter 39 or 48).
(d) Christmas trees stands (classified according to constituent material).
(e) Textile flags or bunting of heading 63.07.
(f) Electric garlands of all kinds (heading 94.05).
See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS.[12]
Under USCIT Rule 56, summary judgment is appropriate where "there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and . . . the moving party is entitled to [] judgment as a matter of law." USCIT R. 56(c). Customs' classification decisions are reviewed through a two-step analysis first construing the relevant tariff headings, then determining under which of those headings the merchandise at issue is properly classified. Bausch & Lomb, Inc. v. United States, 148 F.3d 1363, 1365 (Fed. Cir.1998) (citing Universal Elecs., Inc. v. United States, 112 F.3d 488, 491 (Fed.Cir. 1997)).
Interpretation of the relevant tariff headings is a question of law, while application of the terms to the merchandise is a question of fact. See Bausch & Lomb, 148 F.3d at 1365. Summary judgment is thus appropriate where the nature of the merchandise is not in question, and the sole issue is its proper classification. See id. (it is "clear that summary judgment is appropriate when there is no genuine dispute as to the underlying factual issue of exactly what the merchandise is") (citation omitted).
On review, Customs' classification decisions are afforded a measure of deference proportional to their power to persuade, in accordance with the principles set forth in Skidmore v. Swift & Co., 323 U.S. 134, 140, 65 S. Ct. 161, 89 L. Ed. 124 (1944). See United States v. Mead Corp., 533 U.S. 218, 235, 121 S. Ct. 2164, 150 L. Ed. 2d 292 (2001); Mead Corp. v. United States, 283 F.3d 1342, 1346 (Fed.Cir.2002). According to the Government, Customs' determination in the case at bar denying "festive articles" classification to the merchandise in dispute is entitled to the full measure of Skidmore deference. See generally Def.'s Brief at 4, 6-7; see also section III.D, infra.
The law of "festive articles" has been crisply and succinctly articulated by the Court of Appeals. The challenge lies *1305 in the application of that law. The seminal case is Midwest of Cannon Falls, which established the basic criteria for classification of "festive articles" under heading 9505. See generally Midwest of Cannon Falls, Inc. v. United States, 122 F.3d 1423 (Fed.Cir.1997). As synthesized and distilled in Park B. Smith, those criteria require both (1) that the article "be closely associated with a festive occasion," and (2) that the article be "used or displayed principally during that festive occasion." Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, 347 F.3d 922, 927 (Fed.Cir.2003) (citing Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429). If the use or display of the article at other times would not be "aberrant," then the article does not satisfy the criteria. Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929. See generally Russ Berrie & Co. v. United States, 381 F.3d 1334, 1336 (Fed.Cir.2004).
Wilton contends that all the merchandise here at issue is classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. The Government vigorously disputes Wilton's claim, advancing several different arguments.
The Government's principal argument is a reprise of and a variation on an argument that has been raised (and rejected) in prior "festive article" cases. Specifically, the Government asserts that the "functional" or "utilitarian" nature of the subject merchandise precludes its classification as "festive articles" under heading 9505. In a related argument, the Government contends that the vast majority of the goods at issue are, at best, "one step removed" from "festive articles."
The Government further maintains that "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 are limited to recognized "holidays," so that merchandise related to occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and birth days cannot be classified under that heading. In addition, as to most if not all of the items in dispute, the Government contests Wilton's claim that the articles' motifs are "closely associated with" and/or that the articles themselves are "used or displayed principally during" a particular festive occasion.
The parties' respective claims and arguments are addressed in turn below.
As the Government emphasizes, much of the subject merchandise can fairly be characterized as having a "functional" or "utilitarian" purpose (at least to some degree).[13]
*1306 This Page Contains Footnotes.
*1307 This Page Contains Footnotes. *1308 The bakeware, for example, is used to bake cakes in various special shapes. In the past, however, the Court of Appeals has twice squarely rejected the Government's claim that only "non-utilitarian" merchandise is classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429; Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927. The Government nevertheless resurrects the argument once again here, but with a new twist.[14]See generally Def.'s Brief at 21-25; Def.'s Reply *1309 Brief at 4-6; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 11-14. But see Pl.'s Reply Brief at 4-11; Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 3-4.[15]
Invoking Jewelpak, the Government asserts that in determining the proper scope of heading 9505 the court should consider the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505, which were amended in 2003 to expressly exclude from the scope of that heading articles that "have a utilitarian function," such as "kitchenware." See Def.'s Brief at 21 (citing Jewelpak Corp. v. United States, 20 CIT 1402, 950 F. Supp. 343 (1996), aff'd, 297 F.3d 1326, 1336 (Fed. Cir.2002)); Def.'s Reply Brief at 5-6; Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS, at xx-9505-1 (2007) (reflecting 2003 amendment).[16]
The plaintiff in Jewelpak complained, among other things, that Customs had changed the classification of the jewelry boxes there at issue based upon an amendment to the applicable Explanatory Notes. Jewelpak, 20 CIT at 1402, 950 F. Supp. at 345. The plaintiff maintained that, absent action by the International Trade Commission and the President to formally amend the HTSUS, Customs' action was improper. Id.
Finding that Customs was entitled to consider the amended Explanatory Notes, this court noted that "Congress recognized that the Explanatory Notes would be occasionally modified, and could still be `consulted for guidance.'" Jewelpak, 20 CIT at 1411, 950 F. Supp. at 351. The Court of Appeals affirmed: "[D]espite Jewelpak's protestation, the law is clear that it was wholly appropriate to reference the Amended Explanatory Note . . . to help define the proper scope of the tariff term." Jewelpak, 297 F.3d at 1336 (citations omitted).
But Jewelpak is inapposite. As Wilton emphasizes, the amendment to the Explanatory Notes at issue in Jewelpak came into force several years before the merchandise at issue in that case was imported. Jewelpak *1310 thus had no occasion to address the issue of "retroactivity" (for lack of a better word) that is presented in this case. See Pl.'s Reply Brief at 4-5; Jewelpak, 297 F.3d at 1334 (emphasizing that, in that case, Customs' revocation of its earlier rulings was expressly "limited to . . . future importations; it did not apply retroactively to merchandise that already had been liquidated."). In contrast, the amendment to the Explanatory Notes invoked by the Government here was not enacted, and did not become effective, until long after the merchandise at bar had been imported, and indeed several years after this action was filed.
The Government emphasizes that the amendment to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 was a "clarifying" amendment, and asserts that some countries were excluding "utilitarian" articles from the scope of heading 9505 even before the Explanatory Notes were amended. See Def.'s Supp. Brief at 11-14; see also Def.'s Brief at 23; Def.'s Reply Brief at 5-6. The Government seeks to dismiss the issue of retroactivity as an "irrelevant factual distinction." See Def.'s Reply Brief at 5. But that is much too cavalier.
Even apart from the general legal principles governing the retroactive application of laws, however, there are reliance interests at stake here. Cf. Jewelpak, 297 F.3d at 1340 (dissent) (noting that "[t]he international trade community premises its actions and decisions on the expectation that Customs will conform to . . . established and uniform practices," and that "[t]he reliance and fairness interests of the international importing community are implicated by the practices in which. Customs uniformly engages" "regardless of whether the Secretary formally deems Customs' practice established and uniform.").
Under the circumstances of this case, in importing the merchandise at issue, Wilton was entitled to rely on the existing state of the law of this land. Wilton was entitled to rely on the fact that, in Midwest of Cannon Falls, the Court of Appeals flatly and unambiguously rejected the argument that "utilitarian" goods could not be classified as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Michael Simon Design, Inc. v. United States, 30 CIT ___, ___, 452 F. Supp. 2d 1316, 1323-24 (2006), appeal docketed, No.XXXX-XXXX (Fed.Cir. Oct. 26, 2006) (rejecting same argument by the Government; noting that "the amended EN 95.05 contradicts the Federal Circuit's current interpretation of the scope of heading," that Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith "held, without qualification, that the term `festive articles' includes utilitarian articles," and that "the Federal Circuit's current interpretation of the meaning of the term `festive articles' controls") (footnote and citation omitted).[17]
*1311 Contrary to the Government's assertions, the amendment to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 excluding "utilitarian" articles has no relevance here. This action is controlled by the Court of Appeals' decision in Midwest of Cannon Falls, as amplified by Park B. Smith. See Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d 1423; Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d 922.
That said, it is difficult not to be somewhat sympathetic to the frustration the Government has expressed. As the Government properly notes, the 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes (and other recent developments) suggest that the law of "festive articles" in the U.S., and elsewhere has drifted far from the HTSUS drafters' intent. Although it will have to await another case and another day, it seems a virtual certainty that the recent developments cited by the Government will result in a sea change in the law of "festive articles.[18]
In the meantime, however, as discussed both above and below, the Government has identified no reasoned, principled basis for distinguishing the merchandise at issue in this action from that at issue in Midwest of Cannon Falls, Park B. Smith, and Russ Berrie. Whatever significance those decisions may hold for the classification of "festive articles" in the future, they lead directly and largely inexorably to the result reached here today.
In addition to its relatively straightforward claim that the "utilitarian" or "functional" nature of the subject merchandise precludes its classification as "festive articles," the Government advances a second, related argument, which although ultimately unavailing is both novel and more nuanced.
The Government points to the decision of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal ("CITT") in Wilton-Canada II, which ruled that certain Christmas-themed bakeware was not classifiable under heading 9505. See Wilton Indus. Canada Ltd. v. Comm'r of Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002) ("Wilton-Canada II"). According to the reasoning of Wilton-Canada II, the baking pans there at issue were not in and of themselves festive articles, but instead were "used to make, or [were] one step removed from, the festive article, *1312 that is, the Christmas cookie or cake." See Def.'s Brief at 27-28 (quoting Wilton-Canada II).[19]
At first blush, the rationale of Wilton-Canada II has both visceral and rhetorical appeal. But, in fact, that rationale is woven from three strands of analysis (an analogy, an interpretation of U.S. law, and a public policy concern), none of which withstands close scrutiny.[20]
In Wilton-Canada II, the CITT emphasized that the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 list "articles that are actually used during the [Christmas] festivities, e.g., Christmas crackers and Christmas stockings." See Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002). The CITT further noted that, in the Explanatory Notes, "[o]ne does not find the articles used to make such articles, for example, the patterns used to make the Christmas stockings." Id. The CITT concluded: "Similarly, while cakes [in festive motifs] are covered [as `festive articles' under heading 9505],[21] the goods used to produce them cake and cookie pans are not mentioned." Id. (footnote added).
But the CITT's analogy in Wilton-Canada II is strained at best. Patterns used to make Christmas stockings are fundamentally different from festive-themed pans used to make Christmas baked goods, in several respects. Perhaps most significantly, sewing patterns can be used to make Christmas stockings year-round. While it would be aberrant to hang Christmas stockings on the mantle other than at Christmas time, it would not be aberrant to sew such stockings at other times of the year, in anticipation of (and in preparation for) the Christmas season. Thus, it would not be aberrant to use patterns for Christmas stocking year-round. See generally Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, 347 F.3d 922, 929 (Fed.Cir.2003) (article is classifiable under heading 9505 only if its use at times other than festive occasion would be "aberrant").
In contrast, Christmas-themed cookies and cakes generally are baked only during the Christmas season. Thus, the distinctive, festive-shaped bakeware used to make such treats is used only during the Christmas season; and its use at any other time of the year would be "aberrant." See id. Indeed, as the record evidence in Wilton-Canada II indicated, "the preparation of . . . baked goods is an integral part of the Christmas holidays." See Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002).[22]
*1313 Just as the analogy drawn in Wilton-Canada II was (to indulge a pun) somewhat "half-baked," so too the Canadian tribunal misread the U.S. caselaw on which it relied in reaching its decision. The CITT wrote:
Although it is clearly not bound by U.S. decisions, the Tribunal notes that, in Midwest and Park Smith, it was required that the goods be "displayed and used" (emphasis added) only during the festive season. The goods in issue [in the case before the CITT] are used, it could be argued, at Christmas time, but they are certainly not displayed. The appellant has not cited a case in which the goods were not displayed, but nonetheless included in heading No. 95.05.
Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002) (emphasis in the original) (citing Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d 1423; Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, 25 CIT 506 (2001)).
Contrary to the premise of Wilton-Canada II, however, nothing in the U.S. caselaw to date limits "festive article" classification to only that themed merchandise which is "displayed" on festive occasions. For example, in Park B. Smith, the Court of Appeals observed:
In Midwest of Cannon Falls the court held that classification as a "festive article" under Chapter 95 requires that the article satisfy two criteria: (1) it must be closely associated with a festive occasion and (2) the article is used or displayed principally during that festive occasion.
Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (emphasis added).[23] In short, to the extent that the CITT's decision in Wilton-Canada II read U.S. caselaw to require that "festive articles" be "displayed" to justify classification under heading 9505, that decision was in error.[24]
*1314 Finally, in the context of a linguistic analysis comparing the French and English texts of the language of heading 9505, the CITT voiced a public policy concern, noting that it was "not convinced that Parliament meant that everything used in the preparation toward Christmas festivities should be classified in heading No. 95.05 as a festive article." See Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002) (emphasis added).
At least under the law of this country, however, any such concern would be unwarranted. Whether merchandise is "used" or "displayed" (or both), U.S. caselaw permits its classification under heading 9505 only if its principal "use" or "display" is limited to a festive occasion, such that its "use" or "display" at other times of the year would be "aberrant." See Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1336, 1338; Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929; Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429. That "aberrant use" test serves as a discriminating filter, screening out the vast majority of goods that are in the words of the CITT "used in the preparation toward [a festive occasion],"[25] and precluding the classification of such goods as "festive articles" under heading 9505.
In sum, for all these reasons, the Government's reliance on Wilton-Canada II in this case is misplaced. Contrary to the Government's implication and Wilton-Canada II, festive bakeware is not categorically and by definition "one step removed" from "festive articles" classifiable under heading 9505 at least not under the law of Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith.
According to Wilton, much of the merchandise at issue is associated not with traditional holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine's Day, but instead with what Wilton terms "private festive celebrations" special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations. The Government maintains that such goods are not prima facie classifiable as "festive articles," because according to the Government only recognized "holidays" are festive occasions within the meaning of heading 9505.[26]See generally Def.'s Brief at 18-19, 24-25; Def.'s Reply Brief at 3, 5; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 2-3 (asserting that "[n]either Midwest, Smith, Russ Berrie, *1315 Rubie's, nor any other court action involving classification within Heading 9505 and which was the subject of a decision of this Court or the Federal Circuit involved the classification of wedding, birthday, anniversary or any other celebratory event not related to a recognized holiday").[27]
The Government insists that the ship has already sailed on this issue that is, that the Court of Appeals has previously expressly ruled that heading 9505 covers only merchandise associated with specific recognized holidays. See generally Def.'s Brief at 19, 24-25; Def.'s Reply Brief at 2, 5; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 3 (asserting that Court of Appeals has limited "festive articles" under heading 9505 to "particular holiday occasion[s]"). But, contrary to the Government's assertions, whether "private festive celebrations" such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations are within the scope of heading 9505 is an issue of first impression at least in the courts of the United States.
To be sure, as the Government emphasizes, the U.S. caselaw on heading 9505 has often discussed festive occasions in terms of "holidays." In Park B. Smith, for example, the Court of Appeals stated that, to be classifiable as a "festive article," Midwest of Cannon Falls requires that merchandise "have a direct association with and limited use to a particular holiday occasion." Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929 (emphasis added).[28] However, the Government reads much too much into that use of the word "holiday."
A careful review of Park B. Smith reveals that the Court of Appeals there used "holiday" essentially as a shorthand reference, in the context of drawing a distinction between merchandise that is properly classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505 and other merchandise that is merely "directed to general or seasonal use." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929.[29] Indeed, all the merchandise at issue in Park B. Smith and Midwest of Cannon Falls was asserted to be associated with particular recognized holidays specifically, Valentine's Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. None of the merchandise in either of the cases was claimed to be associated with what Wilton here terms "private festive occasions." Thus, to date the U.S. courts have had no reason to speak to whether "private festive celebrations" such *1316 as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations are "festive" occasions within the scope of heading 9505. The issue simply has never presented itself.
As a threshold matter, the Government overlooks the salient point: Presumably, had the drafters intended HTSUS heading 9505 to refer to "holiday" (rather than "festive") articles, they would have used that more specific term. But they chose not to do so. Nor is there anything about the language that they did use that suggests that the language was intended to have the restrictive meaning that the Government seeks to ascribe to it.
Tariff terms such as the term "festive" in the title of heading 9505 are construed according to their common and commercial meanings, which are presumed to be the same. Warner-Lambert Co. v. United States, 407 F.3d 1207, 1209 (Fed.Cir.2005). The meaning of a tariff term may be discerned by consulting dictionaries and other reliable sources of information. Id. (citing Mead Corp. v. United States, 283 F.3d 1342, 1346 (Fed.Cir.2002)). And, contrary to the implication of the Government here, nothing in the definition of the word "festive" suggests that the term is limited to civic and religious holidays, or that it excludes private celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations.
According to the Encarta World English Dictionary (North American Edition), for example, "festive" is defined as "1. relating to celebration: relating to, suitable for, or typical of a feast, festival, or holiday." Encarta World English Dictionary (North Am. Edition) (Microsoft 2007) (emphasis added). As the disjunctive "or" in that definition makes clear, "festive" occasions are not limited to holidays. Similarly, Webster's Third New International Dictionary (Unabridged) defines the term as "1: of, belonging to, or befitting a feast, festival, or other celebration," and as one illustration of the use of the word notes: "public holidays and other * * * occasions >." Webster's Third New International Dictionary (Unabridged) (Merriam-Webster Inc.2002) (emphasis added). Thus, that definition too demonstrates that "festive occasions" are not limited to "public holidays."
Most dictionary definitions of "festive" do not even mention the word "holiday." For example, The Oxford English Dictionary defines "festive" as "1. Of or pertaining to a feast; such as befits a feast." The Oxford English Dictionary 853 (2d ed.1989). The definition in Webster's New World Dictionary: Second College Edition is to the same effect: "of, for, or suited to a feast or festival; merry; joyous." Webster's New World Dictionary: Second College Edition 517 (William Collins 1979). Similarly, in Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, "festive" is defined as "1: of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival[;] 2: JOYFUL, GAY." Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 458 (Merriam-Webster Inc.1983).
Even more to the point, at least one dictionary definition goes so far as to specifically identify birthdays and weddings as "festive occasions." See, e.g., Gage Canadian Dictionary 574 (1997)[30] (defining "festive" as "for a feast, festival, or holiday; gay; joyous; merry: A birthday or wedding is a festive occasion.") (quoted in Nicholson Equip. Ltd. v. Deputy Minister of Nat'l Revenue, AP-96-080 (CITT April 25, 1997) ("Nicholson I"); Nicholson Equip. Ltd. v. Deputy Minister of Nat'l Revenue, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998) ("Nicholson II"); Wilton Indus. Canada Ltd. v. Canada (Comm'r *1317 of Customs & Revenue Agency), AP-2001-081 (CITT Sept. 24, 2002) ("Wilton-Canada I")).
Further, although the question of the occasions within the scope of heading 9505 is an issue of first impression here, that is not to say that the matter has not been addressed by comparable tribunals and other authorities elsewhere in the world. Defining the scope of heading 9505 to include "private festive celebrations" such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations is consistent with the law and practice of other nations. Canadian customs and international trade authorities, for example, have expressly recognized birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries as "festive" occasions within the meaning of heading 9505. See, e.g., Wilton I, AP-2001-081 (CITT Sept. 24, 2002) (birthdays); Nicholson II, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998) (birthdays, as well as "other joyous events in a child's life")[31]; Nicholson I, AP-96-080 (CITT April 25, 1997) (weddings and anniversaries).[32] Indeed, neither party has here identified any country that limits classification as "festive articles" under heading 9505 solely to merchandise associated with recognized "holidays."[33]
*1318 The icing on the cake so to speak is Customs' agreement to classify certain merchandise at issue in this action as "festive articles" under heading 9505. The vast majority of the merchandise that is subject to the parties' Stipulation is made up of white or clear wedding cake separator plates, pillars, and columns marketed and sold by Wilton as wedding-related merchandise, for use on the elaborately-decorated, multi-tiered cakes typically served at wedding and wedding anniversary celebrations. See Stipulation.[34] The Government thus has already agreed that that merchandise like all the merchandise subject to the Stipulation is classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. And the Government has identified no recognized "holiday" with which the stipulated wedding cake separator plates, pillars, and columns are "closely associated." Nor can the Government do so.
Equally, if not even more, clear cut is the Government's agreement under the parties' Stipulation to classify under heading 9505 Wilton's "Black Graduation Caps Topper Set" (item # XXXX-XXXX) which, as its name suggests, consists of two identical, miniature black graduation caps (with the word "Graduation" in script across the front of the caps), sold for use as "cake toppers" or "party favors." Again, the Government has identified no recognized "holiday" with which the "Black Graduation Caps Topper Set" is closely associated. Nor can it do so.[35] In short, the Government's claim that "private festive celebrations" such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations are not "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 simply cannot be reconciled with the Government's position as evidenced in the parties' Stipulation.[36]
In sum, there is no merit to the Government's claim that the "festive" occasions *1319 within the scope of HTSUS heading 9505 are limited to "recognized" holidays. At a minimum, special occasions and events such as the weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays at issue here are "festive" occasions within the meaning of that heading.
Although Customs denied Wilton's Protests in this matter without issuing a ruling letter, the Government nevertheless asserts that Customs' position is entitled to the full measure of Skidmore deference. See Def.'s Brief at 4, 6-7 (quoting Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 925, for the proposition that, "even where no formal decision has been issued with respect to specific merchandise, 'Skidmore weight should be given to Customs' position'"). But see Pl.'s Reply Brief at 17-19; Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 4-9.
According to the Government, Skidmore deference is due because "Customs' classification decisions in this case are consistent with its position regarding the classification of cake decorations as set forth in several Headquarters Ruling Letters (`HQ'), New York Ruling Letters (`NY'), and its interpretation of the tariff term `festive articles' set forth in the informed compliance publication entitled `What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Classification of Festive Articles as a result of the Midwest of Cannon Falls Court Case (1997).'" See Def.'s Brief at 5. But Customs has no colorable claim to deference under the circumstances of this case.
First, as noted above, not only was Customs' position in this matter not the product of a deliberative notice-and-comment process, it was not even embodied in a ruling letter specific to the merchandise at issue in this action. Nor does the Government suggest that any of the other Customs ruling letters to which it alludes were subject to notice and comment. See Structural Indus., 356 F.3d at 1370 (refusing Skidmore deference where, inter alia, Customs ruling letter was not product of notice-and-comment process); Hartog Foods Int'l, Inc. v. United States, 291 F.3d 789, 791 (Fed.Cir.2002) (extending no Skidmore deference "because Customs denied [the] protest without an official ruling").
Further, the "position" for which the Government seeks deference is entirely unclear. The Government's brief (quoted above) asserts broadly that Customs' classification decisions in this case are "consistent with [the agency's] position regarding the classification of cake decorations as set forth in several Headquarters Ruling Letters ('HQ'), [and] New York Ruling Letters (`NY')." See Def.'s Brief at 5. However, nowhere in its briefs does the Government identify the specific Customs ruling letters to which it is there referring.[37] And nowhere in its briefs does the
*1320 This Page Contains Footnotes. *1321 Government explain how those unspecified Customs ruling letters concerning cake decorations are consistent with Customs' actions in this case.
In addition to the unspecified Customs ruling letters that it invokes, the Government also asserts that Customs' determination in this matter is consistent with the agency's position on the classification of "festive articles" as set forth in the Customs publication, "What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Classification of Festive Articles as a Result of the Midwest of Cannon Falls Court Case" (Nov.1997), published at 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 169 (Jan. 21, 1998). However, that publication has been so thoroughly discredited that Customs has now withdrawn it. See generally Pl.'s Reply Brief at 18-19; Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 6-7.[38] The publication thus does nothing to support Customs' claim to deference in this action. More generally, to the extent that the Government's argument here is that Customs has taken a "consistent" position on the scope of "festive articles" under heading 9505, it is little exaggeration to say that the Court of Appeals has just as consistently rejected Customs' position.
Further, there is nothing else about the position that Customs took at the administrative level in this case that would support a claim of deference. There is no relationship between any rationale for the agency's denial of the protests at issue, and the arguments made here to defend those denials. In denying Wilton's Protests, for example, Customs did not rely on the 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes excluding "utilitarian" or "functional" articles from the scope of heading 9505, on which the Government relies so heavily here. See Protests (annotated by Customs to indicate denial, stating simply that "merchandise does not qualify as toys or festive articles," and that "mdse. does not qualify for either toys or festive articles"). *1322 Indeed, Customs could not have done so. At the time Customs denied the Protests in 2000, no such change to the Explanatory Notes was even under consideration by the World Customs Organization.[39]See Pl.'s Reply Brief at 5 (noting that, in denying Protest, "Customs did not, and could not, rely upon the later-adopted Explanatory Note change as the basis for its classification of Wilton's goods in liquidation"); see generally Michael Simon Design, 30 CIT at ___, 452 F.Supp.2d at 1323 (denying deference in "festive articles" case, noting that Government relied on 2003 amendment to Explanatory Notes in litigation, but that protest was denied solely on other grounds, which in turn were not asserted in litigation).
Nor did Customs' denial of Wilton's Protests make any reference to the "one step removed" argument that the Government has asserted in this litigation. See section III.B, supra. Customs' terse dismissal of Wilton's Protests similarly failed to focus to any degree on issues such as the scope of the "festive" occasions within the ambit of heading 9505, and the specific motifs of the merchandise here at issue arguments that the Government has advanced strenuously in this forum. See section III.C, supra; section III.F, infra.
For all these reasons, Customs' position lacks "power to persuade," and thus merits no deference in this action. See Skidmore, 323 U.S. at 140, 65 S. Ct. 161.
As discussed in greater detail below, some of the items at issue consist of multiples of the same article.[40] For example, Wilton's Cherub Place Card Holders are sold in sets of four identical card holders. In other instances, an item consists of multiple articles that are identical, except for variations in size the Star Nesting Perimeter [Cookie] Cutter Set, for example. Other items such as the Christmas Cookie Collection Set comprise a number of different articles (in that case, assorted Christmas cookie cutters). And, finally, the merchandise at issue includes three different types of Counter Display Units ("CDUs"), which are retail displays offered by Wilton for seasonal use in stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, or Michael's. Each such retail display unit includes several different types of cookie cutters or cookie stamps, which the retailer sells to shoppers individually. See generally 144 ct. North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit]; 48 ct. Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp CDU [Counter Display Unit]; Halloween Mini [Cookie] Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (96 ct.).
Where all of the articles in a set are classifiable under a single heading of the HTSUS, no special classification analysis is required. In this case, that includes sets that are made up of several articles that are identical (or identical except for size), as well as sets that are made up of *1323 several different articles all of which are classifiable under the same heading of the HTSUS. Further, no special analysis of the CDUs is required, because the assorted articles included in them are not "put up in sets for retail sale," but, instead, are sold and classified individually. See Explanatory Notes VI & X, General Rule of Interpretation ("GRI") 3(b), HTSUS.
In contrast, where an item consists of two or more articles "put up in [a] set[] for retail sale" and the articles within that set "prima facie, fall under two or more headings," classification is governed by GRI 3(b) of the HTSUS.[41] Under GRI 3(b) which sets forth the so-called "essential character" test "goods put up in sets for retail sale . . . shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character." See GRI 3(b), HTSUS.
As the Court of Appeals has emphasized, the "essential character" inquiry is fundamentally factual in nature. See Structural Indus., Inc. v. United. States, 356 F.3d 1366, 1370 (Fed.Cir.2004) (citing Pillowtex Corp. v. United States, 171 F.3d 1370, 1376 (Fed.Cir.1999)). And, as the Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b) make clear, there is no hard-and-fast rule for conducting that inquiry, which is more art than science:
The factor which determines essential character will vary as between different kinds of goods. It may, for example, be determined by the nature of the material or component, its bulk, quantity, weight or value, or by the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the goods.
Explanatory Note VIII, GRI 3(b), HTSUS; Canadian Vinyl Indus., Inc. v. United States, 76 Cust. Ct. 1, 2, 408 F. Supp. 1377, 1378 (1976), aff'd, 64 C.C.P.A. 97, 555 F.2d 806 (1977) (noting that "[d]iscernment" of "essential character" is not "an exact science").
In addition to the examples listed in the Explanatory Notes, Better Home Plastics identified various other factors that may be considered in determining "essential character," including the respective indispensability of the properties of the components of the merchandise, the respective cost of the components of the merchandise, the basis for a consumer's decision to purchase the merchandise, the respective duration and/or frequency of the use of the components, and the manner in which the merchandise is invoiced. See Better Home Plastics Corp. v. United States, 20 CIT 221, 224, 916 F. Supp. 1265, 1267 (1996), aff'd, 119 F.3d 969 (Fed.Cir.1997); see also Conair Corp. v. United States, 29 CIT ___, ___, 2005 WL 1941649 at * 5-* 6 (2005) ("essential character" of tabletop fountains imparted by pump, rather than sculpture element of fountain; consumer's decision to purchase fountain "based entirely on the presence of the submersible pump and its ability to generate the sound of flowing water"). The marketing of the merchandise is relevant as well, though it does not dictate classification. See Mead Corp. v. United States, 283 F.3d 1342, 1349 (F ed.Cir.2002).
If merchandise cannot be classified pursuant to GRI 3(b) and the "essential character" test, then it is classified "under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration," pursuant to GRI 3(c). See GRI 3(c), HTSUS.
In light of the analyses above, all that remains is to classify each individual piece of the subject merchandise, applying the two-prong test for "festive articles" established in Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d 1423. As distilled in Park B. Smith and outlined above, that test requires that an article be both (1) "closely associated with a festive occasion," and (2) "used or displayed principally during that festive occasion." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citing Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429). If the article's use or display at other times would not be "aberrant," then the merchandise does not satisfy the test and cannot be classified as a "festive article" under heading 9505. Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.[42]
Much of the Wilton merchandise remaining at issue consists of wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and separator plate legs, all of which Wilton contends are classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505.
Specifically, the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs at issue include the 9" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1020), the 13" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1063), the 7" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1705), the 10" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1748), the 13" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1764), the 16" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1799), the 17" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-1810), the 7" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2013), the 9" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2035), the 11" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2051), the 13" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2078), the 16½ Heart Separator Plate (item # 302-2118), the 8½ Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2130), the 11½ Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2131), the 14½ Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2132), the 14" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7940), the 16" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7967), the 18" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7983), the 6" Separator Plate White (Replacement) (item # 302-9730), the 8" Separator Plate White (Replacement) (item # 302-9749), the 10" Separator Plate White (Replacement) (item # 302-9757), the 16" Separator Plate White (Replacement) (item # 302-9780), the 7" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2322), the 9" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2324), the 6½ Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 303-7910), the 7¾ Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 304-5009), the Tall Tier Cake Stand Basic Set (item # 304-7915), and the Glue-On Plate Legs (item # 304-7930). See Pl.'s Amended Exh. B-1.[43]
*1325 As discussed above, the wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are used in combination with one another to separate and elevate the layers of a multi-tiered cake of the type typically served at a wedding reception or an anniversary celebration. To be sure, the merchandise has a "functional" or "utilitarian" purpose. But, because the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are visible when the wedding cake is presented (and, indeed, are part of the "presentation" of the wedding cake as a whole),[44] they must be beautiful, as well as stable and strong. See generally section I.A, supra.[45]
The separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are, in essence, nonedible cake decorations for use on multi-tiered wedding-type cakes. And the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 expressly state that the heading covers "[c]ake and other decorations . . . which are traditionally associated with a particular festival."[46]See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS; Pl.'s Brief at 16-17 (asserting that items at issue are "cake decorations" within meaning of Explanatory Notes to heading 9505); section III.C, supra (discussing weddings as "festive" occasions within meaning of heading 9505).
In addition, as a review of the exhibits that Wilton filed with the Court amply demonstrates, Wilton's separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are designed to evoke the look of fine leaded crystal, elegant lace, and other nuptial motifs "closely associated with" weddings and anniversaries. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). They are, in short, unmistakably wedding merchandise, and are marketed and sold as such by Wilton itself, and by the retailers to which Wilton sells the merchandise. Moreover, the design, style, and overall look of the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are so distinctively nuptial that their use on routine occasions would be patently "aberrant."[47]See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.[48]
*1326 The determination that Wilton's wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are "festive articles" under heading 9505 is consistent with the decision of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal ("CITT") in a case involving similar merchandise, and is further reinforced by the parties' Stipulation in this action.
The imported items at issue in Nicholson I were Wilton merchandise comparable to that at issue here wedding cake separator plates, columns, and pillars (as well as cake toppers). See Nicholson I, AP-96-080 (CITT April 25, 1997). The CITT observed that the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 expressly state that "festive articles" include "[c]ake and other decorations . . . which are traditionally associated with a particular festival." Id. Noting that "[a] `decoration' is generally defined as `anything used to add beauty: ornament,'" the CITT ruled that "the goods in issue, which sit on or beside wedding or anniversary cakes, are decorations or ornaments associated with particular festive occasions or festivals, namely weddings and anniversaries." Id.
And the CITT expressly ruled that the Wilton wedding cake separator plates, columns, and pillars at issue there virtually identical to the merchandise in dispute here were wedding cake decorations, and thus "festive articles" within the scope of heading 9505:
With respect to the columns or pillars and separator plates, in particular, . . . they are, in part, a structural element of the cake and, for that reason, have a function, in themselves. However, . . . the physical appearance of these products is decorative such that they may also be considered to be decorations or ornaments of cakes.
Nicholson I, AP-96-080 (CITT April 25, 1997) (emphasis added).
Finally, there is the Stipulation between the parties. As Wilton notes, "Customs has already agreed that [items similar to the separator plates, columns and pillars, and plate legs still at issue] are classified under HTS Subheading 9505.90.4000." Pl.'s Brief at 21; see also id. at 19 n. 4; Pl.'s Reply Brief at 2; Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 4-5. Wilton further asserts that "[t]here is no reasonable basis to distinguish the disputed merchandise . . . from the goods which have been stipulated" for classification under heading 9505. Pl.'s Brief at 21.
It is true that the Government has made no meaningful attempt really, no attempt at all to distinguish the merchandise which is the subject of the Stipulation from the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs remaining at issue. See Def.'s Brief at 17 n. 10.[49] And an independent comparison of the two lists, and a review of the exhibits illustrating the merchandise, reveals no basis for drawing meaningful distinctions.
Thus, for example, Customs stipulated to the classification under heading 9505 of *1327 the 9" Round Crystal Separator Set (item # 301-1509), the 11" Round Crystal Separator Set (item # 301-1511), and the 13" Round Crystal Separator Set (item # 301-1513). Each of those sets consists of crystal-look separator plates of the specified diameters (9", 11", or 13"), together with pillars in a corresponding size. It is therefore entirely unclear why Customs refused to stipulate to the classification of the 9" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2035), the 11" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2051), and the 13" Crystal-Look Separator Plates (item # 302-2078).
Similarly, although Customs stipulated to the classification under heading 9505 of the 7" Grecian Spiked Pillars and the 9" Grecian Spiked Pillars (item # 303-3710 and item # 303-3712, respectively) (emphasis added) and although Customs stipulated to the classification under heading 9505 of the 3" Crystal-Look Pillars, the 5" Crystal-Look Pillars, and the 7" Crystal-Look Pillars (item # 303-2171, item # 303-2196, and item # 303-2197) (emphasis added) Customs inexplicably refused to stipulate to the classification of the 7" Crystal-Look. Spiked Pillars or the 9" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2322 and item # 303-2324).
Like the wedding merchandise subject to the parties' Stipulation, the remaining wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are all classifiable as "festive articles" under HTSUS heading 9505 as that heading is interpreted in the companion Explanatory Notes, and under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith.
Specifically, the 9" Square Separator Plate, the 13" Square Separator Plate, the 7" Hexagon Separator Plate, the 10" Hexagon Separator Plate, the 13" Hexagon Separator Plate, the 16" Hexagon Separator Plate, the 17" Crystal-Look Separator Plate, the 7" Crystal-Look Separator Plate, the 9" Crystal-Look Separator Plate, the 11" Crystal-Look Separator Plate, the 13" Crystal-Look Separator Plate, the 16½ Heart Separator Plate, the 8½ Oval Separator Plate, the 11½ Oval Separator Plate, the 14½ Oval Separator Plate, the 14" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate, the 16" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate, the 18" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate, the 6" Separator Plate White (Replacement), the 8" Separator Plate White (Replacement), the 10" Separator Plate White (Replacement), the 16" Separator Plate White (Replacement), the 7" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars, the 9" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars, the 6½ Tier Stand Additional Column, the 7¾ Tier Stand Additional Column, the Tall Tier Cake Stand Basic Set, and the Glue-On Plate Legs are properly classified under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, as "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Other: Confetti, paper spirals or streamers, party favors and noisemakers; parts and accessories thereof."
Also in dispute are Wilton's Cherub Place Card Holders (item # XXXX-XXXX). See Pl.'s Exh. D-1. Like the other wedding merchandise (discussed above), Wilton contends that its Cherub Place Card Holders too are classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505.
As discussed in section I.A above, the Cherub Place Card Holders are small, classic cherub figurines with their arms outstretched above their heads, to hold seating cards. They are designed specifically for use at wedding receptions, to designate guests' seating assignments or guests' places at their tables.
Like the other wedding merchandise at issue, the Cherub Place Card Holders are made of plastic, so as to be inexpensive and disposable. But, due to the nature of *1328 the event for which they are designed, they are styled to look like much more expensive material (such as porcelain or marble), and are used to complement the other design elements of a nuptial celebration. See generally section I.A, supra.
The Cherub Place Card Holders are thus "decorations" for use at a wedding celebration. And the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 expressly state that the heading covers "[c]ake and other decorations . . . which are traditionally associated with a particular festival." See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS (emphasis added); Pl.'s Brief at 16 (quoting definition of "decoration" in American Heritage Dictionary 372 (1991), as "an object . . . used to furnish or adorn with fashionable or beautiful things"); section III.C, supra (discussing weddings as "festive" occasions within meaning of heading 9505).[50]
Even if the Cherub Place Card Holders were not deemed to be "decorations" within the express language of the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505, they would nevertheless be classifiable under that heading pursuant to Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. As a review of the exhibits submitted by Wilton reveals, both by their luxury-look design and their use of a symbol traditionally identified with love and romance, the Cherub Place Card Holders reflect classic nuptial motifs. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Pl.'s Brief at 4-5 (noting that cherub is "a typical romantic theme featured at wedding or anniversary celebrations"); see generally Pl.'s Exhs. (depicting numerous items of wedding merchandise reflecting cherub motif). Indeed, as part of the Stipulation entered into by the parties to this action, Customs agreed to classify as "festive articles" under heading 9505 Wilton's Harvest Cherub Separator Set (item # 301-3517). See Stipulation. As its name suggests, that item like numerous other pieces of Wilton's wedding merchandise features cherubs as the most prominent motif. See Stipulation.[51]
*1329 Like Wilton's cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs (discussed above), the Cherub Place Card Holders are wedding merchandise, and are marketed and sold as such by Wilton itself, and by the retailers to which Wilton sells the merchandise. Moreover, the design, style, and overall look of the Cherub Place Card Holders are so distinctively nuptial that their use on routine occasions would clearly be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.[52]
In sum, under the criteria set forth by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Cherub Place Card Holders like its other wedding merchandise are properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, as "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Other: Confetti, paper spirals or streamers, party favors and noisemakers; parts and accessories thereof." See Subheading 9505.90.40, HTSUS.
The cake press sets in dispute are Wilton's Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Block Letter Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), and its All-Occasion Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX). See Pl.'s Amended Exh. G-1. The cake presses are disposable and are used alone, or in combination with one another to stamp or imprint specific, celebratory greetings and sentiments onto frosted cakes before serving. See generally section I.A, supra.[53]
Wilton advertises and sells the cake press sets through the Cake Decorating Shop of its Online Store, and in the corresponding section of its Yearbook catalog. *1330 Retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Michael's display the sets year-round in the "wedding" and/or the "birthday" or "party goods" sections of their stores (as appropriate). See generally section I, supra.
The Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 expressly state that the heading covers "[c]ake . . . decorations . . . which are traditionally associated with a particular festival." See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS. Wilton emphasizes that "`decoration' is generally defined as `an object or group of objects used to furnish or adorn with fashionable or beautiful things.'" See Pl.'s Brief at 16 (quoting American Heritage Dictionary 372 (1991)).[54] Because a cake press is "an object . . . used to furnish or adorn" a cake (by imprinting the frosted cake with a special greeting or sentiment), the cake presses at issue are arguably "cake decorations" within the meaning of the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505,[55] and thus "festive articles" to the extent that they are "traditionally associated with a particular festival." See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS.
Even if they are not treated as "cake decorations" within the express language of the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505, however, the cake presses are nevertheless classifiable as "festive articles" pursuant to Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. The cake press greetings such as "Merry Christmas," "Happy New Year," and similar sentiments appropriate for other holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day are all motifs "closely associated with" those holidays. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citations omitted); U.S. Customs Service, "What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Classification of Festive Articles as a Result of the Midwest of Cannon Falls Court Case" (Nov.1997), published at 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 169, 177-78 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that symbols/motifs justifying "festive articles" classification may include words and phrases, such as "Merry Christmas," "Happy Thanksgiving," "Happy Easter," and "Happy Valentine's Day").[56] Similarly, sentiments such as "Happy Birthday," "Happy Anniversary," "Congratulations," and "Best Wishes" are *1331 motifs "closely associated with" non-holiday "festive" occasions including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and baptisms or First Communions.[57]
Moreover, such messages and greetings are so intrinsically linked to "festive" occasions that their use on non-special occasions would clearly be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. No one would decorate a cake to read "Congratulations" or "Best Wishes" much less "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Birthday" if the cake was to be served for dessert at a regular, everyday family dinner.
Accordingly, under the criteria set forth by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Script Message Press Set, Block Letter Press Set, and All-Occasion Script Message Press Set are all properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, as "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Other: Confetti, paper spirals or streamers, party favors and noisemakers; parts and accessories thereof."[58]
The final merchandise remaining at issue bakeware, cookie cutters, and cookie stamps includes merchandise which is, according to Wilton, associated with Christmas, Valentine's Day, Halloween, and birthdays (as well as a few miscellaneous other events).
Wilton identifies 11 items as Christmas merchandise, and asserts that all are classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. Those items include the Treeliteful Pan (item # 2105-425), the Snowman Pan (item # 2105-803), the Smiling Santa Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Holiday House Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Poinsettia Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Star Nesting Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-111), the Gingerbread Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-121), the Christmas Cookie Collection Set (item # 2304-802), and item # 516-1007, a Christmas cookie cutter or cookie stamp. Also included are Wilton's 144 ct. North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter *1332 CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX), as well as its 48 ct. Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp CDU [Counter Display Milt] (item # XXXX-XXXX). See Pl.'s Exh. E-1; Pl.'s Amended' Exh. F-1.
Included in the North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter Counter Display Unit are 144 separate cookie cutters in the shapes of a Christmas tree, a snowman, an angel, a Christmas stocking, and a snowflake. See Letter to Court from Counsel for Plaintiff (May 15, 2007) (correcting Pl.'s Response to the Court's Letter of May 7, 2007 at 5). The Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp Counter Display Unit includes 48 separate cookie stamps with motifs of a Christmas tree, a gingerbread man, and bells with holly. See Letter to Court from Counsel for Plaintiff (May 15, 2007).[59]
As discussed elsewhere above, the listed merchandise is generally imported and sold only in conjunction with the Christmas holiday season. Indeed, much of it is distinctively Christmas merchandise. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, angels, bells with holly, poinsettias, and snowmen wearing top hats prominently decorated with sprigs of holly leaves and berries are all motifs "closely associated with" Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); id. at 926, 929 (Santa and Christmas trees); Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1428 (angels); Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1335-36 (bells and holly); San Francisco Candle Co. v. United States, 26 CIT 523, 529, 206 F. Supp. 2d 1304, 1312 (2002), aff'd, 104 Fed.Appx. 714 (Fed.Cir.2004) (Christmas stockings); A Dictionary of Agricultural and Allied Terminology 583 (John N. Winburne, ed.-in-chief, Michigan State Univ. Press 1962) ("poinsettia" is "a shrub grown as a Christmas pot plant for its showy, usually vermilion bracts") (emphasis added)[60]; Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1336 ("[s]nowmen decorated with holly).[61]
Moreover, the symbols of Santa, Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, angels, bells with holly, poinsettias, and snowmen sporting top hats adorned with sprigs of holly are so intrinsically linked to Christmas that the use of cookie cutters and cookie stamps featuring those motifs at other times of the year would clearly be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d *1333 at 927, 929. Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Smiling Santa Pan, its Poinsettia Pan, and its Snowman Pan together with certain cookie cutters included in its North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter Counter Display Unit (specifically, the Christmas tree cookie cutter, the Christmas stocking cookie cutter, and the angel cookie cutter), as well as certain cookie stamps included in its Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp Counter Display Unit (specifically, the Christmas tree cookie stamp and the bells with holly cookie stamp) are all properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.10.50, as "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Articles for Christmas festivities and parts and accessories thereof: Other: Other."
Also included among the merchandise at issue is Wilton's Christmas Cookie Collection Set a set of ten cookie cutters in the shapes of Santa, a Christmas tree, a Christmas stocking, a nutcracker, a candy cane, a snowman, a star, a drum, a rocking horse, and a teddy bear. Like Santa, Christmas trees, and Christmas stockings (all discussed above), the nutcracker and the candy cane too are symbols "closely associated with" Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1428 (candy canes), 1425 (nutcrackers), 1429 (same).[62] Moreover, the Santa, Christmas tree, Christmas stocking, nutcracker, and candy cane motifs are so intrinsically linked to Christmas that the use of cookie cutters featuring those motifs at other times of the year would clearly be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.
The motifs of the remaining cookie cutters in the Christmas Cookie Collection Set an unadorned snowman, a star, a drum, a rocking horse, and a teddy bear are not similarly "closely associated with" Christmas, and their use at other times would not be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.[63] However, *1334 the cookie cutters in the Christmas Cookie Collection Set are "put up in sets for retail sale," and thus must be classified together in accordance with their "essential character." See generally section III.E, supra (explaining classification of merchandise pursuant to GRI 3(b)).
Vis-a-vis the Christmas Cookie Collection Set, none of the illustrative "essential character" factors listed in the Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b) is illuminating. That is, all the cookie cutters in the set are basically the same both individually, and in their respective relationships to the set as a whole as to matters such as "the nature of the material or component, its bulk, quantity, weight or value, or . . . the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the goods." See Explanatory Note VIII, GRI 3(b), HTSUS; Pl.'s Response to the Court's Letter of May 7, 2007 at 8 (asserting that all cookie cutters in the subject set "are relatively equal in size, weight, cost and utility," and that "[a]ll cookie cutters contribute equally to the set"). On the other hand, the very name of the item Christmas Cookie Collection Set and the way in which it is marketed by Wilton and the retailers to which Wilton sells the merchandise are compelling evidence that it is the association of the merchandise with the Christmas holiday that drives the consumer's decision to purchase the set. See Better Home Plastics, 20 CIT at 224, 916 F. Supp. at 1267; Conair Corp., 29 CIT at ___, 2005 WL 1941649 at * 5-* 6.[64]
Accordingly, under GRI 3(b) and the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Christmas Cookie Collection Set is properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.10.50 as "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . . parts and accessories thereof: Articles for Christmas festivities and parts and accessories thereof: Other: Other."
Wilton's claims as to its other Christmas merchandise are, however, unavailing. For example, the Treeliteful Pan is not the holiday-specific item that its name suggests. Indeed, although Wilton's Yearbook indicates that the pan is the company's "most popular holiday pan," the second line of the two-line description of the item states: "Instructions are included [with the pan] for year-round decorating ideas." (Emphasis added.) To be sure, a cake baked in the pan could be frosted or otherwise decorated to look like a Christmas *1335 tree. But, by Wilton's own admission (i.e., the promotional text quoted above), the shape of the pan itself lacks the requisite "close association with" Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). Nor is there anything about the pan that would limit its use to Christmas, or render its use "aberrant" at other times of the year. See id. at 927, 929. It is simply a pan in the shape of a fir tree. See Def.'s Supp. Brief at 7 (pan yields evergreen tree-shaped cake; to look like Christmas tree, cake would require further decoration). The Treeliteful Pan thus cannot be classified as a "festive article" under heading 9505 pursuant to the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. It was properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other."
Similarly, the Holiday House Pan is as its name suggests a pan in the shape of a house. There is nothing at all inherent in the shape or design of the pan that is holiday-specific. It thus lacks any sort of "close association with" Christmas, apart from its name and its marketing as seasonal merchandise.[65]See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (arguing that house shape is merely a "general shape[]"). Moreover, although Wilton illustrates the item with a depiction of a cake decorated as a gingerbread house, there is nothing about the pan itself that would limit its use to gingerbread or to Christmas, or that would render its use "aberrant" at other times of the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. The Holiday House Pan thus cannot be classified as a "festive article" under heading 9505 pursuant to the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. Like the Treeliteful Pan, the Holiday House Pan was properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other."
Wilton's case for "festive article" classification of its Star Nesting Perimeter [Cookie] Cutter Set and its Gingerbread Perimeter [Cookie] Cutter Set is no more compelling. As discussed in note 63 above, a star without more is simply a basic geometric shape. Thus, a preschooler learning his or her shapes might enjoy using a star-shaped cookie cutter all year long. And The Gingerbread Man is a favorite children's folk tale, timeless and told year-round. See, e.g., Nancy Nolte & Richard Scarry, The Gingerbread Man (Big Little Golden. Book).[66] In short, neither the basic star motif nor the motif of a gingerbread family[67] are sufficiently "closely associated with" Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted).
*1336 Moreover, nothing about either the Star Nesting Perimeter Cutters or the Gingerbread Perimeter Cutters would limit their use to Christmas, or render "aberrant" their use at other times of the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929; Def.'s Brief at 20 n. 13 (articles with star motif "can be used at any time of the year"). Under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, the Star Nesting Perimeter Cutter Set and the Gingerbread Perimeter Cutter Set therefore cannot be classified under HTSUS heading 9505, and were properly classified by Customs under subheading 3924.10.50, as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other."
Similarly lacking in merit is Wilton's claim to "festive article" classification of the remaining items included in its North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter Counter Display Unit and its Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp Counter Display Unit, in the motifs of snowmen, gingerbread men, and snowflakes. Like the snowmen and the gingerbread men discussed above, snowflakes also are not "closely associated with" Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). The snowflake motif is not Christmas-specific, but rather symbolic of the winter season in general. See, e.g., San Francisco Candle Co., 26 CIT at 527, 206 F. Supp. 2d at 1310 (citing with approval Commerce Department ruling that candles decorated with snowflakes are "seasonal" and therefore do not qualify for "holiday novelty candle" exclusion from scope of antidumping order); Def.'s Brief at 18-19 ("articles directed to general or seasonal use" not classifiable as "festive articles") (citing Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929).
In addition, nothing about the cookie cutters or the cookie stamp would limit their use to Christmas, or render "aberrant" their use at other times of the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, the snowman and snowflake cookie cutters included in Wilton's North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter Counter Display Unit, and the gingerbread man stamp included in Wilton's Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp Counter Display Unit, cannot be classified under HTSUS heading 9505. Instead, they were properly classified by Customs under subheading 3924.10.50, as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other."
Wilton claims "festive article" classification for one final piece of Christmas merchandise item # 516-1007 which is apparently a cookie cutter or a cookie stamp. However, Wilton is unable to produce any evidence as to the specific nature of that item, to establish that it is both "closely associated with" and used principally for Christmas. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 2 (indicating that Wilton has no evidence as to item # 516-1007). Wilton's claim to "festive article" classification of item # 516-1007 must therefore fail. Based on the existing state of the record, the merchandise was properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50, as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other."
Wilton identifies five items as Valentine's Day merchandise, and asserts that all are classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505 the Heart Tart Singles! pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Heart Springform Pan (item # 2105-2122), the Heart Pan Set (item # 2105-2131), the Heart Giant *1337 Cookie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the Heart Comfort Grip [Cookie] Cutter (item # 2310-616). See Pl.'s Exh. E-1; Pl.'s Amended Exh. F-1. However, Wilton's claim is lacking in merit.
All five items are imported and sold in conjunction with Valentine's Day, and feature a "heart" motif. The four pans produce baked goods in the classic shape of a heart, and the cookie cutter slices cookie dough into classic heart shapes. But none of the items has any distinctive thematic design elements a "Happy Valentine's Day!" greeting, for example to tie the merchandise specifically to Valentine's Day.[68] Without more, the heart motif alone simply is not sufficiently "closely associated with" Valentine's Day (or, for that matter, any other particular festive occasion). See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Russ Berrie & Co. v. United States, 23 CIT 429, 57 F. Supp. 2d 1184 (1999) (heart-shaped terra cotta container filled with wax did not fall within "holiday novelty candle" exclusion from scope of antidumping order).[69]
Nor would the use of the subject bakeware at times other than Valentine's Day be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. As discussed above, a young child learning different shapes might enjoy using Wilton's Star Nesting Perimeter [Cookie] Cutters year-round, to make cookies shaped like stars. Similarly, the child could use the heart-themed cutter at issue here to make cookies in a second basic shape a heart. As to the four pans, Wilton itself promotes year-round use of its heart-shaped bakeware. For example, touting its Heart Pans (item # XXXX-XXXX) not at issue in this action, but comparable in all relevant respects to the four heart-shaped baking pans here in question Wilton's Yearbook emphasizes: "For graceful expressions of love on Valentine's *1338 Day or anytime. . . ." (Emphasis added.)[70]
Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Customs properly classified the Heart Tart Singles! pan, the Heart Pan Set, and the Heart Giant Cookie Pan under HTSUS subheading' 7615.19.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other." Similarly, the Heart Springform Pan was properly classified under HTSUS subheading 7323.99.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of iron or steel; . . .: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Cookingware." And the Heart Comfort Grip [Cookie] Cutter was properly classified under HTSUS subheading 7323.93.00, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of iron or steel; . . . Other: Of stainless steel."
According to Wilton, 15 of the items still at issue in this action are Halloween merchandise, properly classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Pl.'s Exh. E-1; Pl.'s Amended Exh. F-1. As discussed elsewhere above, the items at issue generally are imported and sold in conjunction with Halloween.
Several of the Halloween items including Wilton's Mini Pumpkin Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Jack-O-Lantern Giant Cookie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and its Pumpkin Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX) feature the traditional "jack-o-lantern" motif which is "closely associated with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429 (jack-o-lantern); Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929 (jack-o-lantern); Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1335-36 (jack-o-lantern).[71] Moreover, jack-o-lanterns are so intrinsically linked to Halloween that the use of the jack-o-antern cookie stamp or either of the jack-o-lantern shaped baking pans at other times of the year would clearly be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, both the Mini Pumpkin Pan and the Jack-O-Lantern Giant Cookie Pan, as well as the Pumpkin Cookie Stamp, are properly classifiable as "festive articles," under subheading 9505.90.60 of the HTSUS.
Like its Pumpkin Cookie Stamp, Wilton's Ghost Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Spider Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX), and its Bat Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX) also feature motifs that are "closely associated with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); id. at 926 (ghosts); Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1336 (ghosts); Michael Simon Design, 30 CIT at ___, 452 F.Supp.2d at 1325-26 (spiders and bats).[72] Further, because ghosts, spiders, and bats are so intrinsically linked to Halloween, *1339 the use of cookie stamps with those motifs at other times of the year would be clearly "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Accordingly, the Ghost Cookie Stamp, the Spider Cookie Stamp, and the Bat Cookie Stamp like the Pumpkin Cookie Stamp are properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith.
The motifs reflected in Wilton's Monster Party Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) a witch and a vampire, over a cauldron of witches' brew are just as "closely associated with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1336 (witches and monsters).[73] In addition, because witches and vampires are so intrinsically linked to Halloween, the use of this bakeware at any other time of the year would be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, like the other Halloween merchandise discussed above, Wilton's Monster Party Pan is also properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Other: Other."
Wilton's Halloween Mini [Cookie] Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (96 ct.) (item # XXXX-XXXX) includes an assortment of 96 miniature cookie cutters in five different shapes specifically, in the shapes of bats and ghosts, the word "BOO," and two different styles of jack-o-lanterns (a Happy Jack-o-Lantern and a Scary Jack-o-Lantern). See Letter to Court from Counsel for Plaintiff (May 15, 2007) (correcting Pl.'s Response to the Court's Letter of May 7, 2007 at 4-5). Like bats, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns (discussed above), the word "BOO" is also "closely associated with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Halloween symbols/motifs including the word "Boo" may justify "festive article" classification). Further, use of the bat, ghost, jack-o-lantern, and "BOO" mini-cookie cutters at times of the year other than Halloween would be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Accordingly, like the other Halloween merchandise discussed above, the mini-cookie cutters in the shapes of jack-o-lanterns, bats, ghosts, and the word "BOO" included in Wilton's Halloween Mini Cutter Counter Display Unit are properly classifiable as "festive articles" under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, pursuant to the criteria set forth by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith.
Also included among the Halloween items at issue is Wilton's Spooky Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), which includes cookie cutters in ten different shapes, including a witch, a ghost, a bat, a spider, two different jack-o-lanterns, a skeleton head, a Frankenstein head, and the words "BOO" and "EEK." Like jack-o-lanterns, witches, ghosts, bats, spiders, and the word "BOO" (all discussed above), so too skeleton heads, Frankenstein heads, and the word "EEK" are "closely associated with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Russ Be/Me, 381 F.3d at 1335-36 (Frankenstein monster and monsters' heads); 32 Cust. *1340 Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (Halloween symbols/motifs including ghosts, skeletons, witches, and the word "Boo" may justify "festive article" classification).[74] In addition, like the merchandise in the motifs of jack-o-lanterns, witches, ghosts, bats, spiders, and the word "BOO" (discussed above), the use of cookie cutters in the shapes of a witch, a ghost, a bat, a spider, a jack-o-lantern, a skeleton head, a Frankenstein head, and the words "BOO" and "EEK" at times of the year other than Halloween would be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.
To the extent that all the cookie cutters in the Spooky Cookie Cutter Set would be individually classifiable under heading 9505 (as suggested above), the set as a whole is classifiable under heading 9505 without resort to a determination of the "essential character" of the set pursuant to GRI 3(b). See generally section III.E, supra (explaining classification of merchandise pursuant to GRI 3(b)). Moreover, even if several of the cookie cutters individually would not be prima facie classifiable under heading 9505, the set as a whole would nevertheless merit classification under that heading.
As with Wilton's Christmas Cookie Collection Set (discussed in section III.F.4.a, above), none of the illustrative "essential character" factors set forth in the Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b) is helpful. In other words, all the cookie cutters in the Spooky Cookie Cutter Set are basically the same both individually, and in their respective relationships to the set as a whole as to matters such as "the nature of the material or component, its bulk, quantity, weight or value, or . . . the role of a constituent material in relation to the use of the goods." See Explanatory Note VIII, GRI 3(b), HTSUS; cf. Pl.'s Response to the Court's Letter of May 7, 2007 at 8 (asserting that all cookie cutters in the Christmas Cookie Collection Set "are relatively equal in size, weight, cost and utility," and that "[a]ll cookie cutters [in the Christmas Cookie Collection Set] contribute equally to the set").
On the other hand, the very name of the item the Spooky Cookie Cutter Set and the manner in which it is marketed by Wilton and the retailers to which Wilton sells the merchandise are compelling evidence that it is the association of the merchandise with Halloween festivities that is the impetus for the consumer's decision to purchase the set. See Better Home Plastics, 20 CIT at 224, 916 F. Supp. at 1267; Conair Corp., 29 CIT at ___, 2005 WL 1941649 at * 5-* 6.[75] Accordingly, under GRI 3(b) and the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Spooky Cookie Cutter Set is properly classifiable *1341 as a "festive article" under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60.
Wilton does not fare as well on its claims as to its other Halloween merchandise. For example, notwithstanding the name of the item, the Jack-O-Lantern Nesting [Cookie] Cutter Set (item # 2303-191) like the Pumpkin Pie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) features not a jack-o-lantern motif, but rather that of a plain pumpkin.[76] Unlike a jack-o-lantern, a plain, basic pumpkin is simply a symbol of the autumn harvest season generally. It thus lacks the requisite "close association with" Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted); Def.'s Brief at 18-19 ("articles directed to general or seasonal use" not classifiable as "festive articles") (citing Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929), 20 n. 13 (pumpkin motif not restricted to Halloween or other festive occasion; pumpkin is "associated with the fall season or harvest in general"); Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (pumpkin motif is merely seasonal); Pl.'s Brief at 5 (conceding that pumpkin motif is "traditionally associated with Halloween or fall harvest celebrations") (emphasis added).[77]
Moreover, nothing about the Jack-O-Lantern Nesting Cutter Set or the Pumpkin Pie Pan would limit their use to Halloween, or render "aberrant" their use throughout the autumn of the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929; Def.'s Brief at 20 n. 13 (use of pumpkin-shaped pan not restricted to Halloween or other festive occasion). Wilton's Jack-O-Lantern Nesting Cutter Set and its Pumpkin Pie Pan thus cannot be classified as "festive articles" under heading 9505 pursuant to the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. The cookie cutters were properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50 as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other," and the Pumpkin Pie Pan was properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other."
Wilton's case for "festive article" classification of its Scarecrow Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX) and its Maple Leaf Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX) is just as weak. Neither the scarecrow motif nor the maple leaf motif can be said to have the requisite close association with Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). Instead, they are associated with the autumn and harvest seasons generally. See, e.g., Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (motifs of scarecrows and leaves are merely seasonal). Indeed, Wilton markets the two cookie stamps not as Halloween merchandise, but as "Autumn" merchandise. And the items are described in the Wilton Yearbook as seasonal merchandise: "Imprint a fun fall design on your homemade cookie dough . . ." See Wilton Yearbook (emphasis added).[78]
*1342 Further, nothing about either the Scarecrow Cookie Stamp or the Maple Leaf Cookie Stamp would limit its use to Halloween, or render "aberrant" its use throughout the months of fall. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Scarecrow Cookie Stamp and its Maple Leaf Cookie Stamp therefore cannot be classified under HTSUS heading 9505, and were properly classified by Customs under subheading 3924.10.50 as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other."
In addition to the articles discussed above, Wilton also claims "festive article" classification for two final pieces of Halloween merchandise item # 516-1002 and item # XXXX-XXXX which are apparently cookie cutters and/or cookie stamps. Wilton is unable to produce any evidence as to the specific nature of those items, however, to establish that they are "closely associated with" and used principally for Halloween. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted), 929; Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 2 (indicating that Wilton has no evidence as to item # 516-1002 and item # XXXX-XXXX). Accordingly, Wilton's claim to "festive article" classification of the two items must fail. Based on the existing record, both items were properly classified by Customs under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50, as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics; Tableware and kitchenware: Other."
Wilton brazenly contends that most of the bakeware at issue in this action is birthday merchandise classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Pl.'s Exh. E-1. Wilton thus implicitly asserts that 21 of its bakeware items are both "closely associated with" and principally used for birthdays, such that their use at other times of the year would be "aberrant." See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929; Pl.'s Brief at 20 (asserting that dinosaur, football, and doll motifs "would only be used in connection with a birthday celebration"). As to virtually all of those pieces of bakeware, however, Wilton's claims simply strain credulity beyond all reason.
In fact, only one of the 21 pieces of "birthday" bakeware can reasonably be said to be "closely associated with" and principally used for birthdays. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Wilton's Happy Birthday Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) is a round aluminum pan with a broadly-scalloped edge, and the phrase "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in very large letters molded into the pan itself (so that the raised message covers virtually the entire face of the baked cake). As the Yearbook description of the item notes, "The message is loud and clear!" See Yearbook. The "Happy Birthday" greeting which is imprinted into the cake pan itself is by definition "closely associated" with birthdays, and would render the use of that cake pan at any other time patently "aberrant."[79]*1343 Thus, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, Wilton's Happy Birthday Pan is properly classifiable under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles . . .: Other: Other."
In addition to its Happy Birthday Pan, Wilton also claims as "festive articles" related to birthdays its Stand-Up Cuddly Bear Pan (item # 2105-603), its Partysaurus Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Mini Ball Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Noah's Ark Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Megasaurus Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Enchanted Castle Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Sports Utility Vehicle Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Rocking Horse Pan (item # 2105-2388), its Choo-Choo Train Pan (item # 2105-2861), its Mini Wonder Mold (item # 2105-3020), its Flower Power Cake Pan (item # 2105-3055), its Blue's Clues Cake Pan (item # 2105-3060), its A Bug's Life Cake Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Big Bird With Ban. Bear Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Huggable Teddy Bear Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its First and Ten Football Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), its Sports Ball Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and its New Barbie Cake Pan with Facemaker (item # XXXX-XXXX, now item # XXXX-XXXX and item # 504-8934).
There is, however, nothing about any of those 18 pieces of bakeware that is "closely associated with" birthdays (or, for that matter, any other "festive" occasion).[80]See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). Indeed, Wilton sells the pans as either "Novelty Pans" or "Famous Character" pans, depending on the item. Moreover, there is nothing whatsoever about any of the bakeware that would limit its use to birthdays (or to any other "festive" occasion), or that would render "aberrant" its use on a routine basis throughout the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.[81]
*1344 Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, the Stand-Up Cuddly Bear Pan, the Partysaurus Pan, the Mini Ball Pan, the Noah's Ark Pan, the Megasaurus Pan, the Enchanted Castle Pan, the Sports Utility Vehicle Pan, the Choo-Choo Train Pan, the Mini Wonder Mold, the Flower Power Cake Pan, the Blue's Clues Cake Pan, the A Bug's Life Cake Pan, the Big Bird With Banner Pan, the Huggable Teddy Bear Pan, the First and Ten Football Pan, the Sports Ball Pan, and the New Barbie Cake Pan with Facemaker cannot be classified as "festive articles" under HTSUS heading 9505. All the items were properly classified by Customs under subheading 7615.19.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other."
In addition to the bakeware listed above, Wilton identifies another two cake pans as merchandise associated with birthdays as well as other events the Yearbook Flashback! T-Shirt Pan (item # 2105-2347), said to be associated with birthdays, graduations, and "sports cheers," and the Horseshoe Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), said to be associated with birthdays, graduations, and "good luck" parties. The first item is a pan in the shape of a basic t-shirt, which Wilton depicts decorated variously as a plain t-shirt, a striped baseball jersey, a football jersey, an infant's "onesie," and a toddler's overalls-style jumper. And, as its name suggests, the Horseshoe Pan is a pan in the shape of a basic horseshoe.
There is, however, nothing about either a t-shirt motif or a horseshoe motif that is "closely associated with" birthdays, or any other "festive" occasion. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (citation omitted). Moreover, there is nothing whatsoever about either piece of bakeware that would limit its use to birthdays or any other "festive" occasion, or that would render "aberrant" its use on a routine basis throughout the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. Indeed, the two pans are sold simply as "Novelty Pans." Accordingly, under the criteria articulated by the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith, neither the Yearbook Flashback! T-Shirt Pan nor the Horseshoe Pan is classifiable as a "festive article" under HTSUS heading 9505. Both items were properly classified by Customs under subheading 7615.19.70, as "Table, kitchen or other household articles . . ., of aluminum; . . .: Table, kitchen or other household articles . . .: Other: Cooking and kitchen ware: Not enameled or glazed and not containing nonstick interior finishes: Other."
For all the reasons set forth above, Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment is granted in part and denied in part, and Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment is granted in part and denied in part.
Judgment will enter accordingly.
This action having been duly submitted for decision; and the Court, after due deliberation, having rendered a decision herein;
NOW, therefore, in conformity with said decision, it is
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Plaintiff's Motion for Summary *1345 Judgment is granted in part and denied in part; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment is granted in part and denied in part; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the U.S. Customs Service's classification under subheadings 3924.10.20, 3924.10.50, and 3926.90.98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS") (1999) of the 9" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1020), the 13" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1063), the 7" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1705), the 10" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1748), the 13" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1764), the 16" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1799), the 17" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-1810), the 7" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2013), the 9" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2035), the 11" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2051), the 13" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2078), the 16½" Heart Separator Plate (item # 302-2118), the 8½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2130), the 11½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2131), the 14½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2132), the 14" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7940), the 16" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7967), the 18" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7983), the 6" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9730), the 8" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9749), the 10" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9757), the 16" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9780), the 7" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2322), the 9" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2324), the 6½" Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 303-7910), the 7 ¾" Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 304-5009), the Tall Tier Cake Stand Basic Set (item # 304-7915), and the Glue-On Plate Legs (item # 304-7930) is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the 9" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1020), the 13" Square Separator Plate (item # 302-1063), the 7" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1705), the 10" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1748), the 13" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1764), the 16" Hexagon Separator Plate (item # 302-1799), the 17" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-1810), the 7" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2013), the 9" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2035), the 11" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2051), the 13" Crystal-Look Separator Plate (item # 302-2078), the 16½" Heart Separator Plate (item # 302-2118), the 8½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2130), the 11½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2131), the 14½" Oval Separator Plate (item # 302-2132), the 14" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7940), the 16" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7967), the 18" Tier Stand Additional Cake Plate (item # 302-7983), the 6" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9730), the 8" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9749), the 10" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9757), the 16" Separator Plate-White (Replacement) (item # 302-9780), the 7" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2322), the 9" Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars (item # 303-2324), the 6½" Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 303-7910), the 7 ¾" Tier Stand Additional Column (item # 304-5009), the Tall Tier Cake Stand Basic Set (item # 304-7915), and the Glue-On Plate Legs (item # 304-7930) under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff *1346 with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Cherub Place Card Holders (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheadings 3924.10.20 and 3926.90.98 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Cherub Place Card Holders (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to that item; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Block Letter Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the All-Occasion Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) under Chapter 39 of the HTSUS is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Block Letter Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the All-Occasion Script Message Press Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.40, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Snowman Pan (item # 2105-803), the Smiling Santa Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the Poinsettia Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Snowman Pan (item # 2105-803), the Smiling Santa Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the Poinsettia Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.10.50, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Christmas Cookie Collection Set (item # 2304-802); the Christmas tree cookie cutters, the Christmas stocking cookie cutters, and the angel cookie cutters from the 144 ct. North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX); and the Christmas tree cookie stamps and the bells with holly cookie stamps from the 48 ct. Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Christmas Cookie Collection Set (item # 2304-802); the Christmas tree cookie cutters, the Christmas stocking cookie cutters, and the angel cookie cutters from the 144 ct. North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX); and the Christmas tree cookie stamps and the bells with holly cookie stamps from the 48 ct. Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.10.50, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the *1347 Treeliteful Pan (item # 2105-425) and the Holiday House Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Star Nesting Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-111), the Gingerbread Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-121), the snowman and snowflake cookie cutters from the 144 ct. North Pole Mini Cookie Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX), the gingerbread man stamps from the 48 ct. Jolly Stamps! Cookie Stamp CDU [Counter Display Unit] (item # XXXX-XXXX), and item # 516-1007 (a Christmas cookie cutter or cookie stamp) under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Heart Tart Singles! pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Heart Pan Set (item # 2105-2131), and the Heart Giant Cookie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Heart Springform Pan (item # 2105-2122) under HTSUS subheading 7323.99.70 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to that item; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Heart Comfort Grip [Cookie] Cutter (item # 2310-616) under HTSUS subheading 7323.93.00 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to that item; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Mini Pumpkin Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Jack-O-Lantern Giant Cookie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the Monster Party Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Mini Pumpkin Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Jack-O-Lantern Giant Cookie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), and the Monster Party Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Pumpkin Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Spider Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Bat Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Ghost Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); all cookie cutters that is, the mini cookie cutters in the shapes of a bat, a ghost, two different jack-o-lanterns, and the word "BOO" in the Halloween Mini [Cookie] Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (96 ct.) (item # XXXX-XXXX); and the Spooky Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Pumpkin Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Spider Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Bat Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); the Ghost Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX); all cookie cutters in the Halloween Mini [Cookie] Cutter CDU [Counter Display Unit] (96 ct.) (item # XXXX-XXXX); and the Spooky Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS *1348 subheading 9505.90.60, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Jack-O-Lantern Nesting [Cookie] Cutter Set (item # 2303-191), the Scarecrow Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Maple Leaf Cookie Stamp (item # XXXX-XXXX), item # 516-1002 (a cookie cutter or cookie stamp), and item # XXXX-XXXX (a cookie cutter or a cookie stamp) under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Pumpkin Pie Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to that item; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Happy Birthday Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is reversed; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate the Happy Birthday Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 9505.90.60, duty-free, with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law, and judgment is hereby entered for Plaintiff as to that item; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs' classification of the Stand-Up Cuddly Bear Pan (item # 2105-603), the Partysaurus Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Mini Ball Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Noah's Ark Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Megasaurus Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Enchanted Castle Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Sports Utility Vehicle Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Rocking Horse Pan. (item # 2105-2388), the Choo-Choo Train Pan (item # 2105-2861), the Mini Wonder Mold (item # 2105-3020), the Flower Power Cake Pan (item # 2105-3055), the Blue's Clues Cake Pan (item # 2105-3060), the A Bug's Life Cake Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Big Bird With Banner Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Huggable Teddy Bear Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the First and Ten Football Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Sports Ball Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX), the New Barbie Cake Pan with Facemaker (item # XXXX-XXXX), the Yearbook Flashback! T-Shirt Pan (item # 2105-2347), and the Horseshoe Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) under HTSUS subheading 7615.19.70 is sustained, and judgment is hereby entered for Defendant as to those items; and it is further
ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Customs shall reliquidate all items listed in Schedule A to the parties' Stipulation filed in this matter on October 16, 2002, in accordance with the terms of that Stipulation (a copy of which is attached hereto), with all excess duties to be refunded to Plaintiff with interest as provided by law.
Plaintiff, Wilton Industries, Inc., and defendant, the United States, through their respective counsel, stipulate that the merchandise set forth on the attached Schedule A is correctly classified under the subheadings of Heading 9505 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedules of the United States stated thereon, free of duty. The parties also agree to the following:
1. The protests involved here were filed and the action involved here was commenced within the time provided by law, and all liquidated duties, charges or exactions were paid prior to the filing of the summons.
2. At the conclusion of this action, this stipulation will be incorporated into the final judgment of the Court, and the Port Director of Customs at the Port of Chicago will be directed to reliquidate the entries *1349 containing the stipulable merchandise in accordance with this stipulation.
3. All refunds payable by reason of the classification of the articles in the manner set forth on the attached Schedule A are to be paid with any interest provided for by law.
*1350
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[1] The parties have agreed that their Stipulation is to be incorporated into the Judgment in this action. All articles subject to the Stipulation are classified as "festive articles" under one of two subheadings of HTSUS heading 9505. See Stipulation.
[2] All citations are to the 1999 version of the HTSUS (including all Section and Chapter Notes, and the General Rules of Interpretation). In addition, except as otherwise noted, all citations to the Explanatory Notes are to the 1996 version, the relevnt, provisions of which were in effect in 1999.
[3] HTSUS heading 3924 covers "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics," while heading 3926 covers "Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914." Heading 7615 covers "Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of aluminum; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of aluminum; sanitary ware and `nets thereof, of aluminum." And heading 7323 covers "Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel."
[4] According to Wilton's website, the Illinoisbased company markets a wide range of products. Wilton's Online Store includes a Baby Shop, a Bakeware Shop, Books & Videos, a Cake Decorating Shop, a Candy Shop, a Cookie Shop, a Party Shop, a Seasonal Shop, a Theme & Character Shop, a Wedding Shop, and Stationery.
Among other things, Wilton's website also offers tips on cake decorating techniques, suggested party ideas, recommended recipes and projects, details about contests, information about Wilton's own School of Cake Decorating & Confectionary Art (as well as information on "Wilton Method" classes at locations nationwide), and an online "Discussion Forum" devoted to the exchange of ideas on cake decorating and similar arts.
[5] Except as otherwise noted, the information in this section is drawn generally from the Affirmation filed by Wilton, from the Statements of Material Facts Not in Dispute filed by the parties, and from the pages printed from Wilton's website and the pages from Wilton's Yearbook catalog which Wilton filed in support of its motion.
Throughout the course of litigation, the Government has criticized the quantum, the quality, and the timing of the submission of Wilton's evidence. Wilton, in turn, has criticized the Government for proffering no evidence of its own (and, indeed, apparently conducting little or no discovery in this matter). See Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 11-12; Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 5-6.
In Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Statement of Facts, for example, the Government emphasized that the exhibits filed with Wilton's opening brief did not include depictions of some of the bakeware and some of the cookie cutters and cookie stamps at issue (although the Government failed to specify which were missing). See Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶¶ 8-9; see also Def.'s Reply Brief at 10 n. 3. The Government similarly criticized Wilton for not filing affidavits in support of its case. See Def.'s Brief at 3, 21; Def.'s Reply Brief at 9.
When Wilton later sought to cure the deficiencies in its exhibits, however, the Government criticized Wilton's submissions as "belated." See, e.g., Def.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 1-2; Letter to Court from Counsel for Defendant to Court (May 16, 2007). And the Government has argued that the affirmation that Wilton filed should be stricken from the record on various grounds. See generally Def.'s Reply Brief at 9-12.
To be sure, Wilton is obligated to submit proof documenting the nature of its merchandise; and, to be sure, it largely defaulted on that obligation until relatively recently. It is not the job of the court or opposing counsel to police the completeness of a party's evidence, and then notify that party of any deficiencies. The bottom line, however, is that the Government has not even alleged much less demonstrated any actual prejudice as a result of Wilton's belated submissions in this action.
The Government's objections to the affirmation that Wilton filed are also wide of the mark. Accordingly, the Government's motion to strike must be denied, The affirmation is "bare-bones, put it charitably. But the Government's principal criticisms are that the affirmation is undated, and that the affiant was not in Wilton's employ at the time of the events at issue here. See generally Def.'s Reply Brief at 9-12. As a general matter, however, "the absence of the formal requirements of a jurat in a sworn affidavit does not invalidate the statements [in the affidavit] or render them inadmissible." Peters v. United States, 187 Ct. Cl. 63, 408 F.2d 719, 722 (1969) (quoted in Pfeil v. Rogers, 757 F.2d 850, 859 (7th Cir.1985)). Thus, in the interests of justice, trial courts are admonished not to be "unnecessarily hypertechnical and overly harsh on a party who unintentionally fails to make certain that all technical, non-substantive requirements of execution are satisfied." Pfeil, 757 F.2d at 859 (holding that' district court erred in rejecting affidavits for lack of notarial seal); 11 James Wm. Moore et al., Moore's Federal Practice § 56.14[1][b] (3 d ed.2006). Certainly the Government has not suggested that the absence of a date on Wilton's affirmation casts doubt on the truth of any specific statement therein. See generally Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 12-13.
Moreover, the mere fact that the affiant was not in the employ of a company at the time of specific events does not ipso facto mean that the affiant lacks the personal knowledge required to attest to facts that predate his or her tenure at the company. See Def.'s. Reply Brief at 9-10 (arguing that "there is no indication that [the affiant] has ever seen the merchandise at issue, which was imported approximately three years prior to her assuming the position of Vice President of Wilton"). "[C]orporate officers are presumed to have personal knowledge of acts of their corporation." See 11 Moore's Federal Practice § 56.14[1][c]. And it is clear beyond cavil that "[p]ersonal knowledge . . . does not require contemporaneous knowledge." Id. (citing, inter alia, Dalton v. FDIC, 987 F.2d 1216, 1223 (5th Cir.1993) (affidavit of corporate officer was not defective simply because he learned of transaction after it had occurred)). Here, the Government has "produced no evidence to show that [Wilton's affiant] did not know what [s]he was talking about." Zayre Corp. v. S.M. & R. Co., 882 F.2d 1145, 1151 (7th Cir.1989). Nor has the Government "produce[d] any evidence to specifically cast doubt on [the affiant's] credibility." Id.; see generally Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 12-13.
At the eleventh hour (in the course of supplemental briefing), the parties have traded barbs as to matters such as their respective evidentiary burdens and the effect of the' presumption of correctness. See 28 U.S.C. § 2639(a)(1) (2000) (presumption of correctness). Wilton argues that "once the plaintiff has provided a prima facie case, the government has an obligation to provide its own evidentiary support for its claims that plaintiff's merchandise is not entitled to classification under Heading 9505." See generally Pl.'s Supp. Brief at 9-12. Wilton emphasizes: "[The Government] has not provided any factual evidence that the subject merchandise should not be classified under Heading 9505. It has simply criticized every aspect of [Wilton's] evidence and stated that whatever has been provided is not enough." See Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 5-6.
The Government argues for the first time in its Supplemental Brief that it "is not required to produce evidence," because, it asserts, "Wilton has failed to meet its burden of contradicting Customs' presumptively correct factual finding that the imported articles are not `festive articles.'" See Def.'s Supp. Brief at 15-16 (quoting Saab Cars USA, Inc. v. United States, 434 F.3d 1359, 1368 (Fed.Cir. 2006)).
In briefing these points, however, neither party has adequately addressed the interplay of all relevant principles and doctrines. For example, the Government fails to acknowledge that the parties are in agreement that no material facts are in dispute. See, e.g., Pl.'s Brief at 13; Def.'s Brief at 2, 4, 6. And the statutory presumption of correctness attaches only to Customs' factual findings. Thus, where as here there are no disputes of material fact, the presumption of correctness has no practical effect. See, e.g., Universal Elecs., Inc. v. United States, 112 F.3d 488, 492 (Fed. Cir.1997) (quoting Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch 137, 5 U.S. 137, 177, 2 L. Ed. 60 (1803)); id. (citing Goodman Mfg., L.P. v. United States, 69 F.3d 505, 508 (Fed.Cir. 1995)) ("[W]e conclude that although the presumption of correctness applies to the ultimate classification decision, [plaintiff] properly interprets Goodman as standing for the proposition that, as a practical matter, the presumption carries no force as to questions of law.").
As Wilton emphasizes, the Government similarly fails to acknowledge that it has cross-moved for summary judgment, and ignores the implications of that fact. See Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 6. It is one thing for a party to defeat a movant's motion for summary judgment; it is something else entirely to prevail as cross-movant.
Finally, Saab on which the Government seeks to rely heavily was not a classification case, and is thus distinguishable from the case at bar. See Saab, 434 F.3d at 1368. In classification cases, the Court has an independent obligation under Jarvis Clark to ascertain the proper classification of merchandise in dispute. See Jarvis Clark Co. v. United States, 733 F.2d 873, 876 (Fed.Cir.1984). And, as officers of the court, counsel have a duty to assist the Court in that function. Even if Wilton had not made out a prima facie case for "festive articles" classification mf any of its merchandise, neither party has argued that the Court would somehow be relieved of its Jarvis Clark obligation (and that the Government could somehow, in essence, prevail on its cross-motion by default).
Fortunately, there is no need to definitively resolve such issues here. Notwithstanding their posturing, the parties have steadfastly maintained throughout the course of litigation despite countless opportunities to indicate to the contrary (before, during, and after oral argument) that there are no disputes of material fact which would preclude summary judgment in favor of either party. And, although the existing evidentiary record is thin on a number of points, and does not afford the pristine basis for summary judgment that would be optimal (and which a court is certainly entitled to expect), it is also abundantly clear that a trial would serve no real purpose in this matter. See, e.g., Pl.'s Brief at 13 (stating that "Where is no genuine dispute of material fact"); Def.'s Brief at 2 (noting that "[t]here is no dispute between the parties regarding what the merchandise is or how it is actually used"), 4 ("Summary judgment is proper as them are no material facts in dispute."), 6 ("Inasmuch as the parties agree as to what the merchandise is and how it is used, this action is ripe for summary judgment.").
[6] Multi-tiered wedding-type cakes are created using one of two methods the "stacked" method (where one tier is stacked directly on top of the tier below it), or the "pillar construction" method (where a tier is held aloft above the tier below it through the use of pillars or columns, in combination with separator plates).
[7] Thus, for example, pillars and/or columns are used to separate the tiers of a multi-tiered cake. Pillars are offered in styles including "Crystal-Look," "Crystal-Look Spiked," "Grecian," "Grecian Spiked," "Arched," "Dancing Cupid," "Swan," and "Hidden." Similarly, columns are offered in "Lattice" and "Roman" styles.
All pillars and columns are available in a range of heights, and are specifically designed to coordinate with various styles of cake separator plates, including "Crystal-Look [Separator] Plates" and other wedding merchandise from Wilton's "Crystal-Look" line (for use with Crystal-Look and Crystal-Look Spiked Pillars), and "Decorator Preferred," "Baker's Best," "Square," "Heart," "Oval," and "Hexagon" separator plates (for use with other styles of pillars, as well as all columns).
[8] As Wilton pointedly observes, much of the merchandise that is the subject of the parties' Stipulation consists of wedding cake separator plates, columns, and pillars similar to those still at issue. According to Wilton, there is "no reasonable basis" for distinguishing between the merchandise to which the parties have stipulated and that which remains in dispute. See Stipulation; Pl.'s Brief at 21. And the parties have agreed that all merchandise subject to the Stipulation should be classified as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Pl.'s Brief at 21; Pl.'s Reply Brief at 2; Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 4-5. But see Def.'s Brief at 17 n. 10, 18 n. 11; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 8-9.
[9] Customs liquidated different entries of the exact same merchandise under two different tariff provisions. Contrary to the Government's claim (see Def.'s Brief at 29), the different classifications cannot be attributed to differences in "the material of which the article was comprised."
[10] The parties agree that the cake press sets were liquidated under Chapter 39 of the HTSUS. However, there is a discrepancy in the record as to the precise heading and subheading under which the merchandise was liquidated.
According to, Wilton, Customs liquidated the cake press sets as "Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other," under HTSUS subheading 3924.10.50. See, e.g., Pl.'s Brief at 7; Pl.'s Exh. G-1; Pl.'s Amended Exh. G-1. In contrast, the Government contends that the cake press sets were liquidated under subheading 3926.90.98, as "Other articles of plastics . . .: Other: Other." See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 3, 29.
[11] Section and Chapter Notes are not optional interpretive rules, but instead are statutory law, codified at 19 U.S.C. § 1202. See Park B. Smith, Ltd. v. United States, 347 F.3d 922, 926 (Fed.Cir.2003) (citing Libas, Ltd. v. United States, 193 F.3d 1361, 1364 (Fed.Cir. 1999)).
[12] Unlike Section and Chapter Notes (see n. 11, supra), Explanatory Notes are not binding. See Park B. Smith, 347 R3d at 929 n. 3 (citing JVC Co. of America v. United States, 234 F.3d 1348, 1352 (Fed.Cir.2000)). They may, however, be consulted for guidance and "are generally indicative of the proper interpretation of the various HTSUS provisions." JVC, 234 F.3d at 1352 (quoted in Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929 n. 3).
[13] Although the Government's principal argument focuses on the "functional" or "utilitarian" nature of the merchandise, its briefs are not models of clarity. They are laced with a number of scattered, occasional, casual allusions to other concepts such as whether the merchandise at issue is "displayed" (apparently in an "ornamental" sense), whether the merchandise has "entertainment" value, and similar issues. The Government's briefs do nothing whatsoever to develop those arguments in any coherent fashion, however; and, indeed, the Government often seems to be using concepts interchangeably. Such scattered, casual, offhand references cannot give rise to an obligation on the part of either opposing counsel or the Court to flesh out and then respond to a party's barest intimations.
In the interest of completeness, the Government's briefs have been "mined" for such intimations, which are collected and addressed in summary fashion here. However, it is far from clear that the Government's briefs filed in this forum should suffice to preserve its rights. Any attempt to raise such issues on appeal should meet with skepticism, and merits very close scrutiny.
As an initial matter, both parties devote ink to whether merchandise classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505 must be both "used" and "displayed" in connection with a "festive" occasion. The Government repeatedly insists that merchandise must be "used and displayed." See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 19 (asserting that "Midwest and Smith involved articles which were themselves displayed and used"); Def.'s Reply Brief at 2 (asserting that "festive articles" classification requires that "the article must be displayed and used" in connection with "festive" occasion), 7-8 (same); Def.'s Supp. Brief at 2 (same). However, in Park B. Smith, the Court of Appeals has spoken clearly and unequivocally to the contrary, explaining that "festive article" classification "requires that the article satisfy two criteria: (1) it must be closely associated with a festive occasion and (2) the article is used or displayed principally during that festive occasion." Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (emphasis added) (citing Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1429); see also Pl.'s Reply Brief at 13 (noting that Park B. Smith "states that festive items may be displayed or used during a festive occasion").
In any event, contrary to the Government's implications, there is as a practical matter no apparent discernible, meaningful "bright line" distinction between "display" and "use." In several places, the Government suggests that "festive articles" must be, in essence, "decorations" apparently reading the term "display" in an "ornamental" sense. See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 19 (asserting that "Midwest and Smith involved articles which were themselves displayed and used as decorations") (second emphasis added); Def.'s Reply Brief at 5 (arguing that Wilton bakeware cannot be classified as "festive articles" because it is not "decorations"); Def.'s Supp. Brief at 7 (arguing that bakeware cannot be classified as "festive articles" because a "baking pan is not itself used as decoration"). But see Pl.'s Reply Brief at 13 n. 6 (disputing Government's contention that "display" means "ornamental" display, and arguing, inter alia, that "[e]ven if both use and display were required . . ., the display may be nothing more than that which is incidental to the use of the article. It need not be a decorative use . . . ").
The Government claims that there is no evidence that Wilton's bakeware is used as "decorations." See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 20 (asserting that bakeware "is not used as decorations," and that there is "absolutely no evidence that anyone would decorate a home with baking pans, cookie cutters, cake message presses, or any other cooking tools during any holiday"); Def.'s Supp. Brief at 7 (asserting that "the baking pan is not itself used as decoration and there is absolutely no evidence that such articles are displayed").
The Government is simply wrong on the record. Contrary to the Government's claims, text from Wilton's Yearbook catalog and other promotional literature filed in this action emphasizes a range of "decorative" uses for Wilton's bakeware, cookie cutters, and cookie stamps. Thus, for example, the description of the Jolly Shapes Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) emphasizes: "Our metal [cookie] cutters look great with their bright colors and glossy enamel finish. Four shapes are perfect for hanging on the [Christmas] tree until your next cookie-baking bash." (Emphasis added.) To the same end is the description of the Spooky Shapes Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX): "Our metal [cookie] cutters will look great in your kitchen with their glossy enamel finish. Four favorite shapes are perfect for hanging on the wall until your next cookie baking bash." (Emphasis added.) Similarly, the description of the Star Nesting Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-111) advertises: "[R]emember all the fun ways to use our [cookie] cutters for bread shapes, stencils, sun catchers, and so much more." (Emphasis added.) And the description of the Gingerbread Boy Cookie Mold (item # XXXX-XXXX) emphasizes: "Our finely detailed mold helps you and the family create beautifully-sculpted cookies with ease. . . . Molds are great to hang for a festive decoration all season long." (Emphasis added.) See Pl.'s Exhs., passim. Moreover, it is a reasonably safe assumption that additional evidence would have been proffered on this point had the Government briefed the matter adequately, so as to put Wilton on proper notice. Any complaints by the Government about the state of the evidentiary record must therefore fall on deaf ears.
Not only is the Government wrong about the record evidence but, more importantly, the Government is wrong on the law. There is simply nothing in the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 or in the HTSUS itself just as there is nothing in either Midwest of Cannon Falls or Park B. Smith that requires that "festive articles" must, by definition, be "decorative" (at least in the sense that the Government appears to be using that term). The Explanatory Notes plainly envision classification under heading 9505 of not only "[d]ecorations such as festoons, garlands . . .," but also non-decorative items as well, including but not limited to other (non-decorative) types of "[a]rticles traditionally used at Christmas festivities." See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS. Indeed, the Explanatory Notes specifically list "Christmas crackers" as one examplar of "festive articles," with no implication that the crackers must be used to "decorate" a household or otherwise "displayed" before being pulled. See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS (providing for classification of "Christmas crackers" as "festive articles" under heading 9505); Wikipedia, Christmas cracker, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Christmas_cracker (as of June 8, 2007) (explaining that Christmas crackers "are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom," among other places; "A cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper . . . [which is] pulled by two people, and, much in the manner of a wishbone, . . . splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang produced by the effect of friction on a chemically impregnated card strip (similar to that used in a cap gun) . . . Typically the[] contents [of the Christmas cracker] are a coloured paper hat or crown; a small toy or other trinket and a motto, a joke or piece of trivia on a small strip of paper. Crackers are often pulled after Christmas dinner or at parties.")
The Government also makes the vague claim that "the use of cooking tools to bake cakes or make cookies is not the kind of `use' contemplated by the courts in Midwest and Smith." See Def.'s Reply Brief at 8. But the Government wholly fails to elucidate that conclusory assertion, except to argue that "[t]he cooking tools imported by Wilton are clearly used in preparation for, not in celebration [of], nor for entertainment on a joyous holiday." Id. (emphasis added).
That argument intimates the existence of some stringent temporal restriction on "festive articles" that finds no basis in the HTSUS, the Explanatory Notes, or the law of Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. For example, it is clear from the subheadings of heading 9505 of the HTSUS and from the existing caselaw that "Christmas ornaments" are classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Subheading 9505.10, HTSUS (providing for classification of "Christmas ornaments"); Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1427 (discussing classification of "Christmas ornaments" under heading 9505). There is no requirement that such ornaments be put out only on Christmas Eve and, in turn, returned to storage or disposed of on December 26. So too, it would defy logic and common sense to rule that to the extent that making Christmas cookies is typically an activity that families enjoy in the days leading up to the actual holiday Christmas cookie cutters are per se excluded from the scope of heading 9505 because they are used "in preparation for" the actual holiday. The distinction that the Government seeks to draw is much too simplistic.
Indeed, in questions sent to the parties in preparation for oral argument, the Court specifically inquired: "In fact, isn't the use of Christmas cookie cutters to make Christmas `cut out' cookies a holiday tradition? Isn't the process of making Christmas cookies itself thus a part of the holiday festivities, rather than mere preparation for the festivities?" The Government never directly responded to that point.
Whether treated as merchandise used "in preparation for," used "in celebration of," or used "for entertainment on" a holiday, the Government has failed to explain how the temporal use of Wilton's Christmas cookie cutters, for example, differs fundamentally from that of "festive articles" such as Christmas ornaments (see subheading 9505.10, HTSUS), nativity scenes (see subheading 9505.10.30, HTSUS), festive table linens (see Park B. Smith), and nutcrackers (see Midwest of Canon Falls) all of which are typically used and/or displayed "in preparation for" (that is, in the days leading up to) Christmas itself.
Finally, the Government suggests that Wilton's bakeware, cookie cutters, and cookie stamps cannot be classified as "festive articles" because they lack "entertainment" value. See, e.g., Def.'s Reply Brief at 8 (arguing that merchandise at issue is not used "in celebration" of or "for entertainment on a joyous holiday"); Def.'s Supp. Brief at 6 (asserting that merchandise at issue does not "share the toy-like amusement qualities of the articles expressly provided for in subheading 9505.90"). The Court of Appeals met this argument head-on in Midwest of Cannon Falls, and made short work of it. See generally Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1427 (rejecting Government's argument that merchandise in that action was not classifiable under, heading 9505 because it was not used for "entertainment," or for "amusement or merriment").
In Midwest of Cannon Falls, the Court of Appeals noted that it was "somewhat unclear what the government means by articles for `entertainment, amusement or merriment' because the imported items (e.g., various Santa figures) are at least as `entertaining' as Christmas tree ornaments' that the government admits belong under' heading 9505." Id. The Court of Appeals emphasized that "even under the government's own argument, heading 9505 covers a range of products spanning Christmas tree ornaments to nativity scenes." Id. The Court of Appeals concluded that the merchandise at issue in that action was "at least as `entertaining' as the nativity scenes" expressly covered by one of the subheadings of heading 9505. Id. In sum, even if "festive articles" must have "entertainment" value (as the Government continues to insist), the "entertainment" threshold is nowhere near as high as the Government suggests.
If articles such as nativity scenes and the festive table linens of Park B. Smith are deemed to provide "entertainment," there can be no serious dispute as to the "entertainment" value of Christmas cookie cutters and other similar bakeware. As discussed in the course of oral argument in this matter, for example, the making of Christmas cookies is a cherished holiday rite in many. U.S. households, for both the young and the young-at heart a tradition steeped in warm memories of Christmases' past, and a tradition passed down from one generation to the next in kitchens all across the country.
The Government's folly here may lie, at least in part, in its analytical proclivity to conflate the ultimate product of the baking process (cookies or other baked goods) with the baking process itself that is, the "use" of the merchandise actually at issue here. See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 20 (arguing that "cake pans, cookie cutters, presses and other cooking tools are not themselves used to celebrate any holiday," and that it is the cookies and the cakes that are so used).
As Wilton's Yearbook catalog aptly observes, however, at least in the eyes of children, the making of cookies that is, the use of cookie cutters and cookie stamps is as much fun as the eating. See Pl.'s Exh. (describing Star Nesting Perimeter Cutter Set (item # 2304-111) "With our shaped [cookie] cutters, the making is 49, much fun as the eating! Child-safe design means kids can have a great time helping,"), (emphases added); Pl.'s Protest at 14 (noting that "[b]aking holiday cookies" is integral part of Christmas festivities); see also Wilton Indus. Canada Ltd. v. Comm'r of Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002) ("Wilton-Canada II") (summarizing witness testimony that "the preparation of . . . baked goods is an integral part of the Christmas holidays"). In this sense, the active, participatory and often social nature of the baking process associated with special occasions (a phenomenon which the Government has steadfastly ignored) gives Wilton's bakeware an "entertainment" value that exceeds that of much other "festive" merchandise such as Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, festive table linens and such which, by their very nature, help "celebrate" an occasion in a much more passive manner. See also Pl.'s Exhs. (describing Gingerbread Boy Cookie Mold (item # XXXX-XXXX), emphasizing often festive, social nature of baking process itself "Our finely detailed mold helps you and the family create beautifully-sculpted cookies with ease") (emphasis added); id. (describing Jolly Shapes Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), emphasizing often festive, social nature of baking process itself "Four shapes are perfect for hanging on the [Christmas] tree until your next cookie-baking bash.") (emphasis added); id. (describing Spooky Shapes Cookie Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), emphasizing often festive, social nature of baking process itself "Four favorite shapes are perfect for hanging on the wall until your next cookie baking bash.") (emphasis added).
[14] In their briefs, both parties consistently failed to clearly indicate which of their arguments relate to which items of Wilton's merchandise. The parties were pressed several times to clarify their positions. For example, in questions provided to the parties in preparation for oral argument, the Court specifically inquired: "Is it crystal clear from the parties' papers, as to each and every item remaining at issue in this action, which arguments apply to which items? Is it crystal clear from the parties' papers, as to each and every item remaining at issue in this action, exactly which classification the parties assert?" (First emphasis added.) The Court raised the matter with the parties again, in the course of oral argument.
Although Wilton clarified its positions (to some extent) in its supplemental submissions, the Government never did so. As a result, as a general matter, it is extremely difficult and often impossible to definitively discern from the Government's briefs which of its arguments relates to which items of the merchandise at issue. Under the circumstances, it is reasonable to construe any ambiguities against the Government.
The only items that the Government expressly refers to in making the argument under discussion here that is, the argument that "utilitarian" or "functional" items are not classifiable under heading 9505 are "baking pans, cookie cutters and other cooking tools." See Def.'s Brief at 25. "Cooking tools" is a reference to Wilton's tree former sets, which are no longer at issue in this action. See Pl.'s Brief at 6-7 (dividing merchandise into general categories for purposes of discussion, and referring to "Cake Presses and Cooking Tools"). In any event, whether the Government's argument relates only to Wilton's bakeware and cookie cutters, or to all of the merchandise still at issue, the result is the same.
[15] In briefing this issue, neither party has relied in any way on Customs' recent action seeking to limit the application of Park B. Smith to the entries before the courts in that case. See generally Limitation of the Application of the Decisions of the Court of International Trade and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Park B. Smith v. United States, 40 Cust. Bull. & Dec. No. 15 at 5 (April 5, 2006); Proposal to Limit the Decisions of the Court of International Trade and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Park B. Smith v. United States, 39 Cust. Bull. & Dec. No. 27 at 33 (June 29, 2005).
[16] The relevant section of the Explanatory Notes, as amended, reads:
The heading [9505] also excludes articles that contain a festive design, decoration, emblem or motif and have a utilitarian function, e.g.; tableware, kitchenware, toilet articles, carpets and other textile floor coverings, apparel, bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, kitchen linen.
Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS, at xx-9505-1 (2007) (reflecting 2003 amendment).
[17] See also Decolin Inc. v. President of Canada Border Services Agency, AP-2004-011 (CITT Sept. 13, 2005) (declining to apply 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 to merchandise imported in 2001; finding that "it would be unfair to give retroactive effect to the August 2003 amendment," because the goods were imported "with a reasonable expectation that, they would be classified in accordance with the terms of the Customs Tariff, including the relevant Explanatory Notes, at the time of importation"; ruling that retroactive application of the amended Explanatory Notes would be "contrary to natural justice and principles of fairness").
Of course, as both parties agree, the decisions of foreign tribunals are not binding on the courts, of the United States. See Pl.'s Brief at 17; Pl.'s Reply Brief at 3, 12 (citing Medtronic, Inc. v. Daig Corp., 789 F.2d 903, 908 (Fed.Cir.1986) (noting, in patent case, that decision of German tribunal does not bind U.S. courts)); Def.'s Brief at 27; Def.'s Reply Brief at 6. Cf. Cummins Inc. v. United States, 454 F.3d 1361, 1366 (Fed.Cir.2006). Such decisions are, however, entitled to "respectful consideration," and may have persuasive power. Id. And there is merit in promoting uniformity and predictability in international trade and commerce, where possible. See generally Cummins, Inc. v. U.S., 29 CIT ___, ___, ___, 377 F. Supp. 2d 1365, 1368-69, 1375-76 (2005), aff'd, 454 F.3d 1361.
[18] Wilton apparently contends that the 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes is of no effect whatsoever absent action by the Court of Appeals to expressly rescind Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith. Wilton boldly asserts:
Any decision which seeks to abandon the Federal Circuit's definition of "festive articles," as enunciated in Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith . . . must come from the Federal Circuit itself, and not from [the Court of International Trade]. Certainly, the adoption of the amended Explanatory Note cannot be said in any way to work a revocation or overruling of those governing precedents.
Pl.'s Reply Brief at 7. Although it is not necessary to reach the point here, Wilton's position would seem to be extreme.
Because Midwest of Cannon Falls and Park B. Smith are predicated on the HTSUS (including the Explanatory Notes) pre-amendment, it cannot be said that the Court of Appeals has spoken on the effect of the Explanatory Notes, as amended. Thus, the outcome on this issue might very well have been quite different if the chronology of events in this case had differed vis-a-vis the importation of the goods, the adoption of the amendment to the Explanatory Notes, and the entry into force of that amendment. Cf. Michael Simon Design, 30 CIT it ___ n. 4, 452 F. Supp. 2d at 1324 n. 4 (explaining how "the court's task would be more difficult had the timing been different" in that case).
[19] See also Def.'s Brief at 19-20; Def.'s Reply Brief at 6-8; Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶¶ 18-10.
[20] As noted above, the Government has failed to specify clearly which of its various arguments relate to which items of Wilton's merchandise. See n. 14, supra. It appears that this argument that certain merchandise is at least "one step removed" from "festive articles" relates only to the cake press sets, and to the cookie cutters, cookie stamps, and bakeware. See Def.'s Brief at 19-10, 27-28; Def.'s Reply Brief at 6-7; Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶¶ 8-10. The argument thus has no apparent application to the wedding cake separator plates, pillars, columns, and plate legs, or to the Cherub Place Card Holders.
[21] Although the CITT states in its decision that baked, goods in festive motifs are classifiable under heading 9505, the Government here indicated both in briefing, and in the course of oral argument that it does not necessarily agree. See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 19-20.
[22] In the context of a linguistic analysis comparing the French and English texts of the language of heading 9505 and the relevant Explanatory Notes, the Wilton-Canada II tribunal opined that to be "festive" merchandise must be used "during the Christmas festivities, not before them." Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002). Inherent in the CITT's decision is an assumption that Christmas bakeware is used before (that is, in preparation for) the Christmas festivities, and is not used as part of those festivities. As discussed above, however, that line of reasoning finds little basis in law or fact. See n. 13, supra.
[23] Accord Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927 (referring in two other places to "use" and to how item is "used" not "displayed"; no references to "display"), 929 (four references to "use"; no references to "display"); Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1336 (referring to merchandise "used or displayed") (emphasis added); Id. at 1336 (discussing "symbols . . . used principally") (emphasis added), 1338 (referring to articles "used or displayed") (emphasis added).
[24] See generally n. 13, supra (discussing, inter alia, meaning of "display" in context of classification of merchandise as "festive articles" under heading 9505).
Contrary to the implication of the Government here and the CITT in Wilton-Canada II, there simply is no intimation in Park B. Smith that the holiday-themed napkins at issue in that case had to be in view, full-time, for any specific minimum number of hours or days, or seen by some certain minimum number of people, to have been "displayed" and thus eligible for classification as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 926. Similarly, Christmas and Halloween-themed earrings and other jewelry were held to be prima facie classifiable as "festive articles" in Russ Berrie. See Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1335. But that jewelry could not be said to be "displayed" in the same sense that a jack-o-lantern centerpiece or Christmas tree ornament (or even a festive table runner) might be "displayed." For example, it is unlikely in the extreme that someone would wear a Christmas lapel pin 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the Christmas season. Nor was there any indication in Russ Berrie that eligibility for classification as "festive articles" turned on whether the jewelry was worn in public. See also Michael Simon Design, 30 CIT at ___, 452 F.Supp.2d at 1324 (sweaters featuring Christmas and Halloween motifs).
In short, there is nothing in either Park B. Smith or Russ Berrie to suggest that Christmas, cookie cutters or other festive bakeware cannot be classified as "festive articles" under heading 9505 simply because they might be used only by a Mother and child for a few hours each holiday season in the comfort, warmth, and privacy of the kitchen of the family home.
[25] Thus, for example, just as the sewing patterns used to produce Christmas stockings would not be classifiable under heading 9505 because as discussed above the use of the patterns year-round would not be "aberrant," so too the sewing machines used to make the Christmas stockings would not be classifiable under heading 9505 for the same reason; nor would templates and machinery used to produce Christmas tree decorations, or other similar festive articles.
While it may be that such sewing patterns, sewing machines, and similar templates and machinery are in the words of Wilton-Canada II "one step removed "festive articles" classifiable under heading, 9505, the bakeware here at issue is not (at least to the extent that its use at other times of the year would be "aberrant").
[26] As footnote 14 above explains, the Government has failed to clearly indicate which of its various arguments relate to which items of Wilton's merchandise. It appears that this argument that is, the argument that so-called "private festive celebrations" are not "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 relates to the wedding cake separator plates, pillars, columns, and plate legs; to the Cherub Place Card Holders (as wedding-related merchandise); to the cake press sets (to the extent that the greetings and sentiments reflected in the cake presses extend beyond recognized "holidays"); and to the cookie cutters, cookie stamps, and bakeware (other than Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Halloween merchandise). See Def.'s Brief at 18-19, 24-25; Def.'s Reply Brief at 3, 5; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 2-3.
[27] The pages of Defendant's supplemental brief are misnumbered. The brief has two pages numbered 2, and two pages numbered 3. The pages are not duplicates, however; and, with all pages (including the misnumbered pages), the text of the brief reads properly.
See also Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶ 19 (denying "any inference that birthday celebrations are festive occasions for purposes of classification of goods in Heading 9505"). But see Pl.'s Brief at 19; Pl.'s Reply Brief at 15 n. 7.
[28] See also Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929 (referring to articles with a "holiday association," "articles with symbolic content associated with a particular recognized holiday," articles that "are not associated with a particular festive holiday," articles not directed to "specific holiday festivals," "articles that might be associated with a particular holiday," whether use of articles "at times other than holidays would not be aberrant," and whether articles are "directed to a specific festive holiday, and whether their use at times other than that holiday would be aberrant") (emphases added).
[29] Further, it appears that the Court of Appeals used "holiday" interchangeably with the term "particular festival" which is the term used in the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 929 ("The general autumnal colors or other seasonal association do not invoke a particular festival."; In view of these rulings, [Plaintiff's] cross, appeal as to the third category must fail, for these three items are not associated with a particular festival.")(emphases added).
[30] The Gage dictionary is the principal lexicographic authority used by the Canadian Government Translation Bureau for purposes of official state business. See Wilton-Canada II, AP-2001-088 (CITT Nov. 8, 2002).
[31] In Nicholson II, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal held that the "festive occasions" within the scope of heading 9505 include not only birthdays, but also for example "other joyous events in a child's life," such as "a child's soccer party" or "a child obtaining a good report card." See Nicholson II, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998).
There is, however, no need here to reach the issue of the outer limits of the non-holiday events and occasions within the embrace of "festive occasions" for purposes of heading 9505. All the non-holiday merchandise in this action is assertedly associated with either weddings and anniversaries, or birthdays occasions comfortably within any reasonable definition of a "festive occasion."
[32] See also Def.'s Supp. Brief at 9 (conceding that "some countries may consider birthdays to be `festive occasions'").
In addition to citing the Canadian decisions discussed above, both parties submitted for the record in this action summaries of various customs rulings from the European Union, drawn from the Binding Tariff Information ("BTI") database. Like the Canadian decisions above, a number of the BTIs evidence other countries' treatment of non-"holiday" special occasions as "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505.
The BTIs submitted by both Wilton and the Government include GB [Great Britian] XXXXXXXXX (May 26, 2000) (multi-colored confetti spelling out "congratulations" classified under heading 9505); DEB/2140/04-1 [Germany] (December 22, 2004) (garland spelling out "Happy Birthday" classified under heading 9505); and GB XXXXXXXXX (May 17, 2001) (edible decorations for birthday cake classified under heading 9505). In addition, the Government submitted BTI DEB/ 1232/04-1 (wooden miniature train candle holders, and numbers 1 through 6, for use in decorating birthday cakes, classified under heading 9505).
To be sure, as noted in section III.A above, U.S. courts are not bound even by the decisions of foreign tribunals, much less those of the administrative authorities of those countries. Such decisions may, however, be entitled to "respectful consideration." And there is merit in promoting uniformity and predictability in international trade and commerce, where possible. See generally Cummins, 29 CIT at ___, ___, 377 F.Supp.2d at 1368-69, 1375-76, aff'd, 454 F.3d 1361, 1366.
[33] Although not necessarily for this specific point, the Government did submit for the record some BTIs in which countries classified certain merchandise under headings other than 9505. But such classification does not necessarily indicate that the countries in question limit classification under heading 9505 to only that merchandise associated with recognized "holidays."
To be classifiable under heading 9505, merchandise must be determined to be "Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles. . . ." See Heading 9505 HTSUS (emphasis added). Thus, a country's classification of assertedly "festive" merchandise under heading 9505 indicates that the country in question treats as a "festive occasion" that special occasion with which the merchandise is associated whether that special occasion is a "holiday" or not.
In contrast, the classification of merchandise under some heading other than heading 9505 does not necessarily indicate that the authorities in the country at issue do not treat as a "festive occasion" the non-"holiday" special occasion (such as a birthday) with which the allegedly "festive" merchandise is associated. For example, the classification may mean simply that although the country recognizes birthdays and other non-"holiday" special occasions as "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 the relevant customs authorities determined that the symbolic content of the particular merchandise was not sufficiently closely identified with the non"holiday" festive occasion.
[34] See also Pl.'s Brief at 19 n. 4 (noting that "the Stipulation filed in this case provides for the classification as `festive articles' of Heading 9505 of many articles designed for use in connection with birthdays, weddings and other private festive occasions"), 21 (same); Pl.'s Reply Brief at 2 (same).
[35] In light of the position that the Government takes in its briefs filed with the Court, the basis for the Government's agreement to the classification of other merchandise subject to the Stipulation is similarly unclear Wilton's Carousel Separator Topper Set (item # XXXX-XXXX), Wilton's Circus Balloons Topper Set (item # 2113-2366), Wilton's Pooh Pick (item # 2113-3000), Wilton's Mickey Pick (item # XXXX-XXXX), and Wilton's Teen Doll Pick-Brunette (item # 2815-101), to name a few. Indeed, a review of the list of the more than 120 items classified as "festive articles" pursuant to the parties' Stipulation suggests that the sole item with symbolic content that is obviously associated with a recognized "holiday" is Wilton's "Glowing Pumpkin Fun Pix" (item # XXXX-XXXX), which depict smiling Halloween jack-o-lanterns.
The Government's claim that "private festive celebrations" such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations are not "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 also cannot be reconciled with Customs' classification determinations in certain other cases. See, e.g., NYRL A80948 (April 2, 1996) (cited in Pl.'s Protest at 11) (classifying "wedding cake ornaments/tier toppers" as "festive articles" for purposes of heading 9505). But see NYRL J89592 (Oct. 29, 2003) (stating that "weddings are not regarded as festivals or holidays" for purposes of heading 9505).
[36] The Government takes strong exception to Wilton's reliance on the parties' Stipulation to support its claim that "festive" occasions under heading 9505 are not limited to recognized "holidays." See Def.'s Brief at 18 n. 11; Def.'s Supp. Brief at 8-9. The Government's objections are largely lacking in merit, however. In any event, quite apart from the Stipulation, Wilton's point is proved by the drafters' choice of the term "festive" (rather than "holiday"), and by dictionary definitions of the term "festive."
[37] Although they are expressly not cited to support Customs' claim to Skidmore deference, the Government did append to its opening brief copies of eight Customs ruling letters. Two of the eight ruling letters are cited to show that "Customs has interpreted subheading 9505.90.40 to cover single use, disposable party goods." See Def.'s Brief at 17 n. 10 (citing NYRL G81888 (Sept. 29, 2000); NYRL D83845 (Nov. 18, 1998)). The other, six ruling letters are cited to illustrate that "Customs has classified toy figures used to decorate a cake but which could be retained by the consumer for lasting entertainment purposes . . . as `dolls' in Heading 9502 or as `other toys' in Heading 9503." See Def.'s Brief at 27 n. 17 (citing HQ 954996 (April 15, 1994); HQ 954997 (July 1, 1994); HQ 954998 (July 1, 1994); HQ 954999 (June 24, 1994); HQ 954616 (May 10, 1994); NYRL 804188 (Dec. 15, 1994)).
But even if those eight ruling letters were the ones on which the Government was relying to support Customs' claim to deference here, that reliance would be in vain.
As the dates of the ruling letters indicate, all but two antedate the decisions of both this court and the Court of Appeals in Midwest of Cannon Falls, a case that the Government itself has labeled "seminal." See Def.'s Brief at 10. And the two ruling letters that were issued after Midwest of Cannon Falls do not mention (or even reflect the teachings of) the Court of Appeals in that case. See NYRL G81888 (Sept. 29, 2000); NYRL D83845 (Nov. 18, 1998).
All eight of the ruling letters attached to the Government's brief deal with cake decorations. See NYRL G81888 (American flag picks); NYRL D83 845 (wedding cake topper); HQ 954996 (teen boy and girl cake toppers); HQ 954997 ("Walking Waldo" cake topper); HQ 954998 (assorted cake toppers of "Garfield" figure attired for various sports); HQ 954999 (cake toppers of Jasmine on Rajah the Tiger and Genie with Aladdin on a Carpet); HQ 954616 (Beauty and the Beast cake toppers); NYRL 804188 (Power Ranger cake toppers). As Wilton notes, however, none of those items is similar to the merchandise still in dispute in this action. See Pl.'s Reply Brief at 19 (asserting that Government "has not pointed to one ruling . . . [involving merchandise that] closely resembles the merchandise" in this action).
Nor does a review of the ruling letters suggest that there are to be distilled from them any general principles with real relevance to the facts of this case. Indeed, two of the ruling letters include no rationale whatsoever. They state simply that the merchandise and the parties at issue are the same as those in a prior ruling, and endorse that prior ruling. See HQ 954997; HQ 954998. A third letter includes no analysis of heading 9505. See HQ 954999.
Several of the remaining ruling letters indicate that cake decorations within the scope of heading 9505 must be "inexpensive," "flimsy," and for one-time age. See NYRL D83845; HQ 954996; 954616; NYRL 804188. However, Customs did not deny Wilton's Protests on the grounds that the merchandise at issue was durable or expensive, and the Government has not challenged any specific item remaining at issue in this action on such grounds. Nor could the Government do so. The record as to Wilton's wedding merchandise (including the Cherub Place Card Holders) and its cake press sets indicates to the contrary. See, e.g., Pl.'s Reply Brief at 16-17 (noting that wedding items "are mainly plastic and are not intended to be used again they are inexpensive and relatively cheap items"); Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 5 (noting that wedding items "are one-time use and are generally thrown away after the wedding or anniversary"); Pl.'s Exhs. (some of which list the very modest prices of items at issue, as well as the prices of other merchandise comparable to that at issue). More importantly, the Court of Appeals has flatly rejected Customs' attempts to exclude merchandise from classification under heading 9505 based on its durability and value. See Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1428. Cf. Nicholson II, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998) (holding that "goods do not necessarily have to be made of nondurable material" to be classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505).
It is similarly irrelevant that six of the ruling letters indicate that "Customs has classified toy figures used to decorate a cake but which could be retained by the consumer for lasting entertainment purposes . . . as `dolls' in Heading 9502 or as `other toys' in Heading 9503." See Def.'s Brief at 27 n. 17 (citations omitted). The merchandise still at issue includes no figurines used to decorate cakes. The Government does not contend otherwise. See Def.'s Brief at 26 (stating that "[n]one of the articles at issue here are `figurines,' and the articles at issue here have a function other than as `cake decorations'"). Nor was any of the merchandise still at issue liquidated by Customs either as "dolls" under heading 9502 or as "other toys" under heading 9503. Cf. Def.'s Supp. Brief at 6 (asserting that none of the articles at issue have "toy-like amusement qualities").
In addition, two of the Customs rulings recite the fact that the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 expressly refer to cake decorations, but fail to acknowledge that such decorations are limited to those "traditionally associated with a particular festival." See NYRL G81888; NYRL D83845. It is impossible to tell from a reading of those rulings whether Customs' analysis there simply suffered from a lack of rigor, or whether more fundamentally the agency was taking the position that all cake decorations were classifiable under heading 9505, without regard to their association with a "particular festival" (provided that the decorations were flimsy, inexpensive, and disposable). Both possibilities are troubling particularly since two of the key issues in this case deal directly with that particular limitation (i.e., whether or not "particular festival[s]" are restricted to recognized "holidays," and whether certain motifs are "closely associated with" festive occasions within the scope of heading 9505).
Further, the only ruling of the eight that found merchandise classifiable under heading 9505 the ruling on the American flag picks fails to indicate which "festive" occasion Customs found that merchandise to be "closely associated with." See NYRL G81888. That failing is all the more troubling because the ruling postdates Midwest of Cannon Falls. The only other ruling letter that postdates Midwest of Cannon Falls concerned a wedding cake topper. As noted above, that ruling too is conspicuously silent as to requirement of a "close association with" a specific festive occasion. See NYRL D83845. Thus, Customs there denied classification under heading 9505 not because the agency interpreted the heading to exclude wedding-related merchandise (the position that the agency has taken in this case), but rather because the wedding cake topper was not flimsy, inexpensive, and disposable. Id. The coup de grace here is NYRL A80948, cited in Wilton's Protest. See Protest at 11-12 (citing NYRL A80948 (April 2, 1996)). In that ruling, Customs classified a wedding cake topper under heading 9505. Quite apart from the merits of the numerous other criticisms listed above, that ruling would alone suffice to lay to rest the Government's claim that Customs has had a consistently held position on the classification of cake decorations as "festive articles" under heading 9505.
[38] See, e.g., Park B. Smith, 25 CIT at 508 n. 1 (criticizing Customs publication and castigating the agency for its "inexcusably irresponsible attempt . . . to present to the public its twodimensional/three-dimensional distinction theory as the current state of the law after Midwest"), aff'd in part, rev'd in part, and remanded, 347, F.3d at 929 (firmly rejecting, inter alia, "two-dimensional" versus "three-dimensional" distinction that Customs and Government sought to draw).
[39] Customs' denial of Wilton's Protest also predated even this court's opinion in Park B. Smith, and thus by definition did not reflect the gloss that the Court of Appeals' opinion in that case added to Midwest of Cannon Falls.
[40] Until expressly requested to do so, neither party ever identified any items of merchandise at issue as sets, much less briefed the issue of the classification of such merchandise notwithstanding ample opportunity through two full rounds of initial briefing, followed by oral argument and another two additional rounds of post-oral argument supplemental briefing. See generally Pl.'s Response to the Court's Letter of May 7, 2007 at 4-8; Letter to Court from Counsel for Plaintiff (May 15, 2007); Letter to Court from Counsel for Defendant (May 16, 2007).
[41] The Explanatory Notes to GRI 3(b) explain that for purposes of that rule "goods put up in sets for retail sale" means goods which "consist of at least two different articles which are, prima facie, classifiable in different headings: Therefore, for example, six fondue forks cannot be regarded as a set within the meaning of this Rule." See Explanatory Note X, GRI 3(b), HTSUS.
[42] Incredibly, although their briefs are replete with casual, offhand (and generally conclusory) assertions as to whether or not a particular symbol or motif is "closely associated with" a particular "festive" occasion, neither party systematically briefed the motifs and symbols at issue in this action.
Accordingly, the Court has been forced to scour both the caselaw in general and the evidence of record here, in an effort to remedy the shortcomings of the parties' briefs and to dispose of the pending cross-motions. Under the circumstances, however, any attempt by either party to raise on appeal an issue concerning symbols and motifs should meet with skepticism and should be scrutinized closely.
[43] As the Government correctly observes, both the original and the amended versions of Plaintiff's Exhibit B-1 mistakenly list three articles (with three different item numbers) which are actually covered by the parties' Stipulation, and thus are no longer in dispute. See Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Material Facts ¶ 5; Stipulation (item # 303-2171; item # 303-2196; item # 303-2197); Pl.'s Amended Exh. B-1 (same item numbers); Pl.'s Exh. B-1 (same item numbers).
[44] No one speaks of an assembled multi-tiered wedding cake as "wedding cakes" (plural). Instead, the creation is viewed as a whole "the wedding cake."
[45] The fact that numerous different styles of separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are offered for sale is further proof of their decorative nature. See generally section I.A, supra (highlighting various styles of merchandise offered for sale). Presumably, if the appearance of the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs were of no significance, there would be no reason to offer more than a single style.
[46] The Government itself describes as "cake decorations" the merchandise that is the subject of the parties' Stipulation. See Def.'s Supp. Brief at 9. And, as discussed in greater detail below, much of that merchandise is virtually identical to the wedding cake separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs still at issue.
[47] Nowhere in its briefs does the Government dispute that the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs reflect a "bridal" or "nuptial" motif. Nowhere does the Government suggest that the separator plates, pillars and columns, and plate legs are not obviously wedding merchandise. See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 5 (noting that "the parties agree that the imported merchandise consists of wedding cake pillars, separator plates, cake bases, [and] plate pegs . . ."; and "[t]he parties agree that the wedding cake separators, plate pegs, and pillars are used to separate segments of a wedding cake which is comprised of several tiers.") (emphases added). Nor does the Government anywhere dispute that it would be clearly aberrant to use the merchandise other than for a tiered wedding-style cake.
[48] Indeed, as Wilton points out, a multi-tiered cake is served only on an occasion such as a wedding, when a very large cake is needed because there are a very large number of guests. See Pl.'s Reply Brief at 16; Pl.'s Supp. Reply Brief at 4.
[49] The Government states that Customs agreed to stipulate to the classification of "numerous cake decorations which are single use, disposable party goods." See Def.'s Brief at 17 n. 10. However, rather than attempting to factually distinguish the stipulated merchandise from that remaining at issue, the Government simply states summarily that "the articles which are before the Court in the parties' cross-motions are not single-use, disposable party goods." Id.; see also id. at 18 n. 11 (asserting in conclusory fashion that "the merchandise which the parties have proposed for stipulation and those articles which remain at issue are, simply put, not identical or substantially similar enough to justify the same classification"); Def.'s Supp. Brief at 8-9 (asserting that "unlike the article which the parties have agreed to stipulate, the articles . . . in the parties' cross-motions are not single use, disposable party goods").
[50] As discussed in section III.A above, the Government in this litigation has sought to rely on the 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505 to support its argument that "utilitarian" or "functional" merchandise is not classifiable under that heading.
It is worth noting that the 2003 amendments expressly refer to table decorations. See Explanatory Notes, Heading 9505, HTSUS, at xx-9505-1 (2007) (reflecting 2003 amendment) (indicating that scope of heading 9505 includes "[f]estive decorations used to decorate rooms, tables, etc.") (emphasis added). To that extent, the 2003 amendment to the Explanatory Notes may buttress Wilton's claim that its Cherub Place Card Holders which serve both to designate wedding guests' seating assignments and to decorate wedding reception tables (while complementing other elements of the design and ambience of the event) are classifiable as "festive articles" within the scope of heading 9505, even under the terms of the Explanatory Notes prior to the 2003 "clarifying" amendments.
[51] As noted elsewhere above, the Government repeatedly asserts that this action is ripe for summary judgment. It nevertheless seems to quibble with Wilton's statement that a cherub is a motif closely associated with weddings. See Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶ 7 (denying "that a `cherub' is `a typical romantic theme featured at wedding or anniversary celebrations'"). The Government proffers not a scintilla of evidence to support its position, however. See Mingus Constructors, Inc. v. United States, 812 F.2d 1387, 1390-91 (Fed.Cir.1987) ("[m]ere denials or conclusory statements are not sufficient" to put a material fact into dispute). Nor does the Government attempt to distinguish between the cherub motif of the Cherub Place Card Holders and the cherub motif of the Harvest Cherub Separator Set, the classification of which it has stipulated. Similarly, it offers no explanation for the numerous other wedding items reflecting some sort of cherub motif which are offered by Wilton, and which constitute additional evidence supporting Wilton's position.
[52] Whether or not the use of a plain cherub motif alone would be "aberrant" at times other than a wedding or anniversary, the use of the motif as incorporated into the item here at issue a classically-styled cherub, rendered as a (disposable) place card holder, with its arms outstretched precisely for the purpose of holding a standard-sized seating place card is limited to weddings and anniversaries. See Pl.'s Reply Brief at 16 (by definition, place card holders used for weddings romantic, large-scale events "with tens or hundreds of guests"). The use of the Cherub Place Card Holders on other occasions would be "aberrant." Thus, for example, as Wilton wryly observes, the Cherub Place Card Holders would not be used to indicate the seating arrangements at a corporate board meeting. See Pl.'s Brief at 19-20.
Although the Government insists that weddings are not "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505, nowhere does the Government suggest that the Cherub Place Card Holders are not obviously wedding merchandise. See, e.g., Def.'s Brief at 18-19 (emphasizing that Wilton "admits" that Cherub Place Card Holders are used for weddings, and arguing that weddings are not "festive" occasions under heading 9505); Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (emphasizing that Wilton has "admitted" that Cherub Place Card Holders are used for weddings, and arguing that weddings are not "festive" occasions under heading 9505). Nor does the Government anywhere dispute that it would be clearly aberrant to use the Cherub Place Card Holders other than for a wedding or similar celebration.
[53] The Government erroneously asserts that the cake press sets at issue "include letters (italics, block and script) . . . which can be used to decorate any cake for any purpose." See Def.'s Response to Pl.'s Statement of Facts ¶ 10 (emphases added). The Government is simply flat wrong on the facts as to the nature of the merchandise.
The cake press sets at issue include no individual letters whatsoever. They consist entirely of words and two or three-word phrases. There is thus no truth to the Government's claim that the press sets can be used to decorate any cake "for any purpose." The press sets cannot be used, for example, to spell out "Have a Great Day!" And it would be patently "aberrant" to use a Wilton cake press to decorate "any cake [to be used] for any purpose" with the greeting "Merry Christmas" (one of the greetings included in the cake press sets at issue here). Such a greeting would be appropriate only on a cake served during the Christmas season.
[54] As discussed in section III.C above, tariff terms such as "decoration" are construed according to their common and commercial meanings, which are presumed to be the same. And the meaning of such terms may be discerned by consulting dictionaries and other reliable sources of information. See, e.g., Warner-Lambert Co., 407 F.3d at 1209 (citation omitted).
[55] There are essentially two ways of decorating a cake with a celebratory message or sentiment. The cake may be decorated with edible or non-edible lettering that is left on the cake when the cake is presented, spelling out the message or sentiment. Alternatively, a cake press can be used to imprint the celebratory message or sentiment into the frosting of the cake itself.
There would seem to be little doubt that the lettering in the first case would be considered "cake decorations" within the meaning of the Explanatory Notes to heading 9505. And it is unclear whether a reasonable, logical distinction can be drawn between the lettering in the first case and the lettering in the second case particularly where, as here, the lettering in the second case is one-time use, disposable merchandise.
[56] As discussed above, this publication has been withdrawn by Customs (largely because the publication espoused the "two-dimensional" versus "three-dimensional" distinction that has now been thoroughly discredited by the courts). See generally section III.D, supra. However, the publication retains vitality as evidence of symbols and motifs that Customs has recognized are "closely associated with" "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505.
[57] Specifically, the Script Message Press Set includes presses of the words and phrases "Best," "Wishes," "Happy," "Birthday," "Anniversary," and "Congratulations." The Block Letter Press Set includes presses of the same words "Best," "Wishes," "Happy," "Birthday," "Anniversary," and "Congratulations" in block letters, rather than script. And the All-Occasion Script Message Press Set includes presses of "Merry Christmas," "Happy New Year," "Easter," "Thanksgiving," "God Bless You," "I Love You," and "Good Luck." See Pl.'s Exh. G-2.
[58] The result classification of the cake press sets under heading 9505 would be the same if each of the three items were analyzed as a set and classified in accordance with its "essential character" pursuant to GRI 3(b). See generally section III. E, supra. The very nature of the cake press sets, and the way in which they are marketed by Wilton and the retailers to which Wilton sells them, are compelling evidence that it is the association between the content of the greetings/sentiments and the "festive" occasions to which they are related that is the basis for a consumer's decision to purchase such sets. See Better Home Plastics, 20 CIT at 224, 916 F. Supp. at 1267; Conair Corp., 29 CIT at ___, 2005 WL 1941649 at * 5-* 6.
Similarly, even if one or two of the individual words or phrases in a cake press set were found not to be prima facie classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505, the remainder of the words and phrases in the set would impart the "essential character" of the set as a whole at least under the circumstances presented here (where, inter alia, the items are marketed specifically for "cake decorating" and most of the presses are, by definition, limited to use solely on "festive" occasions). See generally Letter to Court from Defendant (May 16, 2007) at 3 (citing Explanatory Note X, GRI 3(b), HTSUS (discussing example of classification of "[d]rawing kits")).
[59] The individual cookie stamps are depicted in the "Christmas" pages of Wilton's Yearbook catalog that were filed with the Court.
[60] Customs itself has recognized the poinsettia as a traditional Christmas motif. See, e.g., 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 174 (Jan. 21, 1998) (artificial poinsettia wreaths, centerpieces, candle rings, and garlands classifiable as "festive articles" under heading 9505). And the Poinsettia Pan is described in Wilton's Yearbook catalog as "[a] delightful sign of the Christmas season . . ." See Wilton Yearbook (emphasis added).
See also The Columbia Encyclopedia 2601 (Barbara A. Chernow & George A. Vallasi, eds., Columbia U. Press 5th ed.1993) (noting that "[t]he poinsettia . . ., whose several species are sometimes considered a separate genus (Poinsettia), is a popular Christmas decoration with its large rosettes of usually brightred bracts"); Dictionary of Agricultural and Environmental Science (Frederick R. Troeh & Roy L. Donahue, eds., Iowa State Press 2003) (poinsettia is "commonly used for Christmas decorations"). But see Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (arguing that baking pan in shape of poinsettia is merely "directed to general or seasonal use").
[61] See generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 176-77 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Christmas symbols/motifs including Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, and angel may justify "festive article" classification); Stipulated Judgment (April 6, 2005), filed in Park B. Smith, Court No. 96-00344 (classifying as "festive articles" holiday table linens and rugs with motifs including "Jingle Bells," "Ringing Bells," "Poinsettia," "Poinsettia Plaid," "Christmas Holly," "Holiday Blossom/Holly Blossom," "Holly Border," and "Holly Leaves, aka Hollileaves Christmas, aka Hollileaves").
[62] See generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 176 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Christmas symbols/motifs including nutcrackers justify "festive article" classification).
[63] For example, a snowman without more (such as a holly-decorated' hat or muffler, and a red and green color scheme) is merely symbolic of the winter season in general. See Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (snowmen are merely seasonal); HQ 962252 (July 23, 1999) (noting that "[t]he snowman is generally recognized as a symbol for the winter season, not necessarily the Christmas holiday," and stating that even "the presence of holly or a hat and scarf, or other Christmas-related images do not automatically qualify the article" as a "festive article").
So too a star without more is just a basic geometric shape (like a circle, a square, a triangle, or a heart). Thus, a curious young child learning his or her shapes might enjoy using a star cookie cutter year-round. See, e.g., Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (star is merely a "general shape[]"); Def.'s Brief at 20 n. 13 (arguing that, because a star "can be associated with patriotism or have no particular association," articles with star motif "can be used at any time of the year"). Indeed, in the Yearbook pages filed as exhibits with the Court, Wilton advertises a child-safe Geometric Bite-Size [Cookie] Cutter Set (item # XXXX-XXXX) a set of five cookie cutters in assorted basic geometric shapes. See Yearbook.
Similarly, a drum, a rocking horse, and a teddy bear are classic toys that might be received as Christmas gifts. However, they are not so closely associated with Christmas that the use of cookie cutters in those shapes would be deemed "aberrant" at other times of the year. See Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929. As discussed in section III.F.4.d below, Wilton itself recognizes that bakeware with rocking horse and teddy bear motifs has year-round use. See Huggable Teddy Bear Pan (item # XXXX-XXXX) (promoting pan as "being used all year round"); Rocking Horse Pan (item # 2105-2388) (suggesting that "Wild West pony or Christmastime toy are just a couple of the themes to give this loveable cake"). But see Stipulated Judgment (April 6, 2005), filed in Park B. Smith, Court No. 96-00344 (classifying as "festive articles" holiday table linens and rugs with motifs including "Rocking Horse"); cf. Russ Berrie, 381 F.3d at 1335-36 (associating with Christmas "a teddy bear dressed in [a] red and white Santa outfit and holding a present") (emphasis added).
[64] In this instance, the end result classification under heading 9505 would be the same if, as the Government suggests, the "essential character" of the set were instead to be determined based on the number of cookie cutters in the set found to be prima facie classifiable as "festive articles" relative to the number of cookie cutters found not to be so classifiable. See Letter to Court from Defendant (May 16, 2007) at 3 (citing Explanatory Note X, GRI 3(b), HTSUS (discussing example of classification of "[d]rawing kits")).
Specifically, as discussed above, five of the cookie cutters in the set in the shapes of Santa, a Christmas tree, a Christmas stocking, a nutcracker, and a candy cane individually would be prima facie classifiable under heading 9505, while the other five in the shapes of a snowman, a star, a drum, a rocking horse, and a teddy bear would not. The fact that half of the items in the set would be individually prima facie classifiable under heading 9505 would be determinative of the "essential character" of the set as a whole, at least under the circumstances presented here (where, inter alia, the item is called the Christmas Cookie Collection Set, and where the item is marketed exclusively in connection with the Christmas holiday).
[65] Indeed, even as to its marketing, the Holiday House Pan is promoted to have broad appeal for use well beyond the ornately-decorated gingerbread house often seen at Christmas. Wilton's Yearbook emphasizes that the pan is accompanied by: "Five great design ideas, including a fresh bread house."
[66] In this telling of the classic tale, the Gingerbread Man taunts: "RUN, RUN as fast as you can. You can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man!" Nancy Nolte & Richard Scarry, The Gingerbread Man.
[67] The Gingerbread Perimeter Cutter Set consists of four cookie cutters, in the shapes of a Gingerbread man, woman, boy, and girl.
[68] The Heart-Shaped Wreath at issue in Midwest of Cannon Falls was classified as a "festive article." But that merchandise was much more than just a basic heart shape. In contrast to the bakeware and cookie cutters at issue here, the wreath in Midwest of Cannon Falls was "a metal wreath with dozens of small, heart-shaped decorations attached to it, painted bright red, with a hook, allowing the item to hang from a wall." See Midwest of Canon Falls, 20 CIT at 132, 1996 WL 19306; see also 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (in some cases, heart pattern/motif may justify "festive article" classification).
[69] In Russ Berrie, the court sustained Commerce's finding that "the heart shape of [Russ Berrie's] candle does not limit its use to a particular holiday." See Russ Berrie, 23 CIT at 439, 57 F. Supp. 2d at 1194. The court noted that, in support of its determination, Commerce quoted one of its prior decisions:
Nothing inherent in the design of the subject candles would limit their use to a specific occasion. . . . [T]he sole distinguishing characteristic of the Sweetheart candle is its pink heart. [However,] the year-round ubiquity of this particular shape renders it meaningless as a holiday scene or symbol.
Russ Berrie, 23 CIT at 439, 57 F. Supp. 2d at 1194 (citation omitted). The court also quoted another prior decision cited in Commerce's determination, to the same effect:
The familiar two-lobed heart design is ubiquitous as a symbol of affection or familial or romantic love. . . . [I]t is used throughout the year in, for example, greeting cards. . . .
Russ Berrie, 23 CIT at 439-40, 57 F. Supp. 2d at 1194 (citation omitted). Elsewhere, the court concluded: "Plaintiff cites no authority, and the Court has found none, holding that the heart is a symbol solely associated with Valentine's Day because of its distinguishable shape and color." Russ Berrie, 23 CIT at 444, 57 F. Supp. 2d at 1197.
Without more, a heart is simply a basic geometric shape. See n. 63, supra (noting that "a star without more is just a basic geometric shape (like a circle, a square, a triangle, or a heart). Thus, a curious young child learning his or her shapes might enjoy using a star cookie cutter year-round.") (emphasis added); Def.'s Reply Brief at 3 (heart is merely a "general shape[]").
[70] Cf. Russ Berrie, 57 F.Supp.2d at 1195 n. 9 (noting that "it is unlikely that during July a consumer would purchase a Santa Claus shaped candle . . . as compared to a heart-shaped candle. . . . [I]f, in July, one purchases hears and flowers for one's spouse, the likely intent is quite evident; on the other hand, a July gift of a Santa Claus figure will surely, at best, give rise to puzzlement.").
[71] Indeed, the parties' Stipulation in this action provides for the classification of Wilton's Glowing Pumpkin Fun Pix (item # XXXX-XXXX) which have a jack-o-lantern motif as "festive articles" under heading 9505. See Stipulation; see generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 176 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Halloween symbols/motifs including jack-olanterns may justify "festive article" classification).
[72] See also Stipulated Judgment (April 6, 2005), filed in Park B. Smith, Court No. 96-00344 (classifying as "festive articles" holiday table linens and rugs with motifs including "Bats & Ghosts"); 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Halloween symbols/motifs including ghosts may justify "festive article" classification).
[73] See generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Halloween symbols/motifs including witches may justify "festive article" classification).
[74] See generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that Halloween symbols/motifs justifying "festive article" classification may include words such as "Happy Halloween" and "Boo").
"Eek!" is an exclamation of fear or horror such as what one shrieks when startled by a ghost's "Boo!" or frightened by some haunting Halloween sight. See, e.g., Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.) (defining "eek" as an interjection "used to express surprise or dismay"); The New Oxford American Dictionary 543 (Oxford Univ. Press 2001) (defining "eek" as an exclamation of "alarm, horror, or surprise").
[75] Again, the end result classification under heading 9505 would be the same if, as the Government suggests, the "essential character" of the set were instead to be determined based on the number of cookie cutters in the set found to be prima facie classifiable as "festive articles" relative to the number of cookie cutters found not to be so classifiable. See Letter to Court from Defendant (May 16, 2007) at 3 (citing Explanatory Note X, GRI 3(b), HTSUS (discussing example of classification of "[d]rawing kits")).
[76] It does appear that there is a jack-o-lantern face on the handle of the largest of the nesting cookie cutters. However, those jack-o-lantern features would not imprint onto cookies. Thus, even the use of that one particular cookie cutter would not be limited to Halloween.
[77] See also Def.'s Supp. Brief at 7 (arguing that pan in shape of plain pumpkin may be used to bake plain apple-shaped cake, but would require further decoration to look like jack-o-lantern).
[78] Not only is the maple leaf identified with autumn and the harvest season in general, it has, other significant associations as well. For example, the maple leaf is also the national symbol of Canada, and is the focal point of that country's flag. And, as any avid hockey fan knows, it is the symbol of Toronto's team, the Maple Leafs.
[79] See generally 32 Cust. Bull. & Dec. Nos. 2/3 at 177-78 (Jan. 21, 1998) (acknowledgment by Customs that symbols/motifs justifying "festive article" classification may include words, such as "Noel," "Peace on Earth," "Merry Christmas," "Ho Ho Ho," "[w]ords from well known Christmas Carols and Christmas songs," "Boo," "Happy Halloween," "Happy Thanksgiving," "Happy Easter," and "Happy Valentine's Day").
Since like Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, and. Valentine's Day birthdays are "festive" occasions for purposes of heading 9505 (see section III.C, supra), the phrase "Happy Birthday" is similarly a symbol/motif justifying "festive article" classification in appropriate circumstances.
[80] In Nicholson II, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998), the CITT ruled that plastic figurines of characters including "R2-D2," "Simba," and "The Lion King" which were used as decorations for children's birthday cakes were "festive articles" under heading 9505.
In its ruling, the CITT apparently gave great weight to the importer's argument that "traditions are created continuously" and that "characters which are popular this year may be popular for a few years before becoming unpopular and eventually being replaced by other characters." The CITT wrote:
[T]he Tribunal agrees that traditions are created continuously. As a result cake decorations which may be associated with a birthday one year may not necessarily be associated with such an event the following year. Furthermore, in the: Tribunal's view, there are many factors which could influence what cake decorations are traditionally associated with a birthday, for example, religion. As such, the Tribunal agrees with the [importer's] representative that the use of the word `traditionally' [in the Explanatory Notes to Heading 9505] cannot stop the goods in issue from being classified in heading No. 95.05.
Nicholson II, AP-97-110 & AP-97-113 (CITT Sept. 2, 1998). Cf. Midwest of Cannon Falls, 122 F.3d at 1428 ("embrac[ing] the trial court's notion that absent legislative intent to the contrary, the term `Christmas ornament' [in subheading 9505.10] should be construed to embrace evolving consumer tastes and not be limited to traditional Christmas themes") (citation omitted).
However, Nicholson II provides no support for the proposition that the motifs of the pans at issue here motifs such as Noah's Ark, a Sports Utility Vehicle, a Choo-Choo Train, Blue's Clues, and Barbie, to name but a few should be deemed "festive articles" under the law of this country. Unlike the U.S. courts, the CITT apparently does not limit "festive articles" classification to only those items whose use or display would be "aberrant" at times other than a particular "festive" occasion. Park B. Smith, 347 F.3d at 927, 929.
[81] As discussed in section III.F.4.a above, cookie cutters in the shapes of a rocking horse and a teddy bear are included in Wilton's Christmas Cookie Collection Set, which is classified as a "festive article" under heading 9505. However, that merchandise is classified in accordance with the "essential character" of the set as a whole, pursuant to GRI 3(b). See GRI 3(b), HTSUS. As section III. F.4.a notes, rocking horse and teddy bear motifs themselves are not "closely associated with" any "festive" occasion. Nor would the use of merchandise incorporating such motifs be "aberrant" at any time of the year.