Classification of a men's bath wrap; Heading 6211, HTSUSA
Active· CBP ruling HQ 088474· Issued 1991-04-16
Ruling text
HQ 088474
April 16, 1991
CLA-2 CO:R:C:T 088474 jlj
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 6211.32.0080
Ms. Lina Vaughan
BJ Brokerage Co.
P. O. Box 91034
Los Angeles, California 90009-1034
RE: Classification of a men's bath wrap; Heading 6211, HTSUSA
Dear Ms. Vaughan:
In your letter of December 11, 1990, you requested a tariff
classification ruling under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States Annotated (HTSUSA) for a men's cotton bath wrap
manufactured in Hong Kong for your client, Frederick's of
Hollywood. You submitted a sample along with your request.
FACTS:
The sample in question is a men's woven terry cotton bath
wrap. It has a partially elasticized waistband with velco-like
strips at either end which secure it when it is wrapped around
the waist. It has a patch pocket on its right side. When
wrapped around the waist it extends to slightly below the knee.
Though the garment comes in one size, the design of the garment
indicates that it is for men.
ISSUE:
Is the instant bath wrap classified as a bathrobe in Heading
6207, HTSUSA, or as an other garment in Heading 6211, HTSUSA?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of merchandise under the HTSUSA is in
accordance with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI's),
taken in order. GRI 1 provides that classification shall be
determined according to the terms of the headings and any
relative section or chapter notes.
Heading 6207, HTSUSA, provides for men's or boys' singlets
and other undershirts, underpants, briefs, nightshirts, pajamas,
bathrobes, dressing gowns and similar articles. The issue is
whether the instant men's wrap is classified as a men's bathrobe,
dressing gown or similar garment in this heading. If it is not,
it is classified in Heading 6211, HTSUSA, which provides for
other garments not specifically covered by previous headings.
IN Customs Headquarters Ruling Letter (HRL) 088187 of
January 11, 1991, we discussed the same issue. We found that the
men's wrap does not meet the definition of a bathrobe or a
dressing gown, nor does it have the physical characteristics of
similar apparel. Although it is a wraparound garment, the
instant wrap is nether long nor loose fitting. It does not have
sleeves or any upper body coverage. Although the men's wrap
could be used while shaving or immediately before or after
taking a bath, it would not normally be used for lounging,
resting or similar informal wear at home. Consequently it is not
classified as a bathrobe, dressing gown or similar article in
Heading 6207, HTSUSA. Therefore it is classified in Heading
6211, HTSUSA. See also HRL 088054 of February 5, 1991, which
reached the same conclusion.
HOLDING:
The instant men's bath wrap is classified under subheading
6211.32.0080, HTSUSA, which provides for other garments: other
garments, men's or boys': of cotton: other. The rate of duty is
8.6 percent ad valorem. Textile category 359 applies to this
subheading.
Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation
(the ninth and tenth digits of the classification) and the
restraint (quota/visa) categories applicable to textile
merchandise, you should contact your local Customs office prior
to importation of this merchandise to determine the current
status of any import restraints or requirements.
The designated textile and apparel category may be
subdivided into parts. If so, visa and quota requirements
applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Inasmuch
as part categories are the result of international bilateral
agreements which are subject to frequent renegotiations and
changes, to obtain the most current information available, we
suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment, the
Status Report on Current Import Quotas (Restraint Levels), an
internal issuance of the U. S. Customs Service, which is
available for inspection at your local Customs office.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division
Source: rulings.cbp.gov — ruling 088474, retrieved 2026-10-12T05:20:45Z, republished verbatim. This digest is informational; only CBP issues binding rulings.