Classification of men's bib and brace overalls; Heading 6203
Active· CBP ruling HQ 089590· Issued 1991-09-09
Ruling text
HQ 089590
September 9, 1991
CLA-2 CO:R:C:T 089590 jlj
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 6203.42.2010
Mr. Harrison T. Feeley
Polomate Corporation
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 824
New York, New York 10118
RE: Classification of men's bib and brace overalls; Heading 6203
Dear Mr. Feeley:
This is in reference to your letter of May 15, 1991, in
which you inquired about the tariff classification of two men's
woven cotton shortalls imported from Taiwan. You submitted a
sample along with your inquiry.
FACTS:
The sample submitted, Style No. 26288, is a pair of 100
percent woven cotton shortalls. The garment will be manufactured
in Taiwan. It has a bib which is squared off at the top and has
a horizontal pocket. The rear bib is formed from two panels.
The top panel has straps which connect to the front bib by means
of two metal hooks. The garment has two front pockets and two
rear pockets. Beside each front pocket on the seam is an opening
with a three button vertical closure. The garment has a fly
front opening with a zipper closure. The waistband is encircled
by belt loops. The front bib has a rise of 5-5/8 inches.
ISSUE:
Is the instant pair of shortalls classified as bib and brace
overalls?
LAW AND ANALYSIS:
Articles are classified under the HTSUSA in accordance with
the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). GRI 1 provides that
the classification of articles is determined by the terms of the
headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
Heading 6203 covers men's or boys' suits, ensembles, suit-
type jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches
and shorts (other than swimwear). If the instant shortalls are
bib and brace overalls, they are classified
in Heading 6203 by virtue of GRI 1.
The Explanatory Notes are the official interpretation of the
tariff at the international level. The Explanatory Note for
Heading 6203 states that "The provisions of the Explanatory Note
to Heading 61.03 apply, mutatis mutandis, to the articles of this
heading."
The Explanatory Note for Heading 6103 states that:
For the purposes of this heading:
* * * * * *
(E) "Bib and brace overalls" means garments of the
type illustrated below in figures 1 to 5 and
similar garments which do not cover the knee.
The five garments illustated are similar to the instant sample.
They are all overalls with a bib in front and with straps
extending over the shoulders of the wearer. The submitted sample
is quite similar to overalls. It is commonly and commercially
known as a pair of bib and brace shortalls. It will be bought
and sold as bib and brace shortalls. In view of these facts, we
find that the instant garment is properly classified as a pair of
bib and brace overalls.
HOLDING:
The instant garment is classified under the provision for
men's or boys' bib and brace overalls: trousers, bib and brace
overalls, breeches and shorts: of cotton: other: bib and brace
overalls: other: men's, in subheading 6203.42.2010, HTSUSA,
dutiable at the rate of 11 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 089590, retrieved 2026-10-12T05:21:53Z, republished verbatim. This digest is informational; only CBP issues binding rulings.