In ruling NY N311951 (June 9, 2020), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of the Hy-Genie No Touch Hand Tool. The tool is flat and made of brass, comprised of 60% copper and 40% zinc.  It measures 3” long, 1” wide, and .1875” thick.  It features a round hole on one end to provide easy access for an index finger, and incorporates a keychain hole that can be used to attach to a keyring.  The tool is designed to help the user avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Its various uses include pressing buttons, opening doors, signing your name on touch screens and pulling levers.

CBP determined the applicable subheading for the Hy-Genie No Touch Hand Tool is 8205.59.6000, HTSUS, which provides for “Handtools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included; blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like, other than accessories for and parts of machine tools; anvils; portable forges; hand- or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base metal parts thereof: other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: other: other: of copper.  The rate of duty will be free.

Pursuant to U.S. Note 20 to Subchapter III, Chapter 99, HTSUS, products of China classified under subheading 8205.59.6000, HTSUS, unless specifically excluded, are subject to an additional 25% ad valorem rate of duty.  At the time of importation, 9903.88.03, in addition to subheading 8205.59.6000, HTSUS, must be reported.