Mechanical Singing Bird Box from China
An ornate 19th-century style automaton featuring a mechanical bird that flaps wings, moves beak, and produces bird calls via bellows and pipes. Classified under HTS 9208.90.00.80 for mechanical singing birds as specified in the heading. Typically cased in gold-plated brass with enamel decoration.
Duty Rate — China → United States
22.8%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• Declare all precious metal content accurately; may require hallmark certification
• Ensure automata mechanisms are secured during shipping to prevent damage to delicate bellows
• Provide restoration history if refurbished to avoid undervaluation penalties