Classification of a men's woven shortalls; Heading 6203, HTSUSA
Active· CBP ruling HQ 088563· Issued 1991-04-01
Ruling text
HQ 088563
April 1, 1991
CLA-2 CO:R:C:T 088563 CMR
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 6203.42.2010
Ms. Christine Backes
Generra Sportswear Co., Inc.
278 Broad Street
Seattle, Washington 98121
RE: Classification of a men's woven shortalls; Heading 6203,
HTSUSA
Dear Ms. Backe:
This ruling is in response to your letter of January 4,
1991, requesting the classification of a men's woven shortalls.
The merchandise will be made in China and imported through the
port of Seattle. A sample was received with your letter.
FACTS:
The submitted sample, style 118001, is a men's shortalls
made of 100 percent cotton woven twill fabric. The garment
features a bib front which is squared off at the top and has a
horizontal pocket. A rear panel extends upward to form straps
that connect to the front bib by means of metal hooks. The
garment has two diagonal front pockets and two rear pockets. The
garment extends in length to the vicinity just above the knee
with the front leg panels of the garment featuring two pleats
each. On each side of the garment at the waist are side openings
secured by two functional buttons. Two belt loops appear on the
front of the garment with two more on the back. A large loop
extends from the bottom of the left rear pocket to the left leg
seam. The garment has a fly front opening with a three button
closure and has a defined waist on the front, but not on the
back.
ISSUE:
Is the subject garment, style 118001, a men's shortalls
classifiable in the provision for men's bib and brace overalls in
heading 6203, HTSUSA?
-2-
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Classification of goods under the HTSUSA is governed by the
General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). GRI 1 provides that
"classification shall be determined according to the terms of the
headings and any relative section or chapter notes, provided such
headings or notes do not otherwise require, according to [the
remaining GRIs taken in order]."
Heading 6203, HTSUSA, provides for, among other things,
men's and boys' bib and brace overalls. The Explanatory Notes,
which are the official interpretation of the HTSUSA at the
international level state, at page 833, that the term "bib and
brace overalls" means garments of the type illustrated, on page
834, and similar garments which do not cover the knee.
In HRL 088677 of March 15, 1991, Customs addressed the
significance of the illustrations in the Explanatory Notes and
the meaning of the term "bib and brace overalls" for tariff
purposes. In that ruling, Customs determined that "absent a
clear and reasonable description in the Explanatory Notes, which
we do not find in this instance, Customs will apply the common
and commercial meaning to [the term bib and brace overalls].
Therefore, if a trousers-like garment has a full front bib, over
the shoulder straps, and is commonly and commercially known as
overalls, that garment is classifiable under the appropriate
subheadings for bib and brace overalls.
In this case, the subject garment is similar to garments
described above as garments which Customs will classify as bib
and brace overalls. This garment is simply one which does not
cover the knee. The Explanatory Notes indicate however that such
garments are included within the meaning of the term "bib and
brace overalls".
HOLDING:
The garment at issue, style 118001, is, in our view,
clearly, commonly and commercially identifiable as shortalls.
Therefore, it is classifiable in the subheading for men's cotton
bib and brace overalls in subheading 6203.42.2010, HTSUSA,
textile category 359, dutiable at 11 percent ad valorem.
The designated textile and apparel category may be
subdivided into parts. If so, the visa and quota requirements
applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected. Since
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 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 updated weekly and
is available for inspection at your local Customs office.
Due to the changeable nature of the statistical annotation
(the ninth and tenth digits of the classification) and the
restraint (quota/visa) categories, you should contact your local
Customs office prior to importation of this merchandise to
determine the current status of any import restraints or
requirements.
Your sample will be returned, as requested, under separate
cover.
Sincerely,
John Durant, Director
Commercial Rulings Division
Source: rulings.cbp.gov — ruling 088563, retrieved 2026-10-12T05:20:56Z, republished verbatim. This digest is informational; only CBP issues binding rulings.