LeMANS CORP. v. United States

Slip Op. 10-14

UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

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:
LEMANS CORPORATION, :
:
Plaintiff, :
:
v. : Before: Judge Judith M. Barzilay
: Court No. 06-00038
UNITED STATES, : Public Version
:
Defendant. :
:
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OPINION

[Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment is granted, and Plaintiff’s Cross-Motion for
Summary Judgment is denied.]

Dated: February 8, 2010

Rodriguez, O’Donnell, Gonzalez & Williams, P.C. (Thomas J. O’Donnell, Jessica R. Rifkin, and
Lara A. Austrins), for Plaintiff LeMans Corporation.

Tony West, Assistant Attorney General; Barbara S. Williams, Attorney in Charge, International
Trade Field Office, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice
(Alexander Vanderweide); and Office of Assistant Chief Counsel, International Trade Litigation,
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (Michael W. Heydrich), of counsel, for Defendant United States.

Barzilay, Judge: This case concerns the U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s

(“Customs”) classification of certain motocross jerseys, motocross pants, and motorcycle jackets

under Chapters 61 and 62 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”).
Court No. 06-00038 Page 2

Defendant United States moves the court for summary judgment, arguing that Customs classified

the subject merchandise under the appropriate provisions of the HTSUS. Plaintiff LeMans

Corporation (“LeMans” or “Plaintiff”) contests the classification and cross-moves the court for

summary judgment, alleging that subheadings within Chapter 95 of the HTSUS covering sports

equipment most accurately describe the subject jerseys, pants, and jackets. In view of the

applicable General Rules of Interpretation (“GRIs”) and for the reasons explained below, the

court grants Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and denies Plaintiff’s Cross-Motion for

Summary Judgment.

I. Background

A. The Subject Merchandise

LeMans imported the subject merchandise into the United States through the ports of

Chicago and Los Angeles between July 20, 2004 and September 17, 2004.1 Summons 3-4. The

merchandise consists of “highly specialized” jerseys, pants, and jackets “designed, engineered,

and produced exclusively for use while participating in motocross activities and other power

sports riding.” Pl.’s Resp. to Def.’s First Interrogs. & Reqs. for Produc., Def. Mot. for Summ. J.

Ex. C at 5 (“Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs.”). The dual purposes of the goods “prevent injury

to the rider from abrasion and impacts with motorcycle parts and the surrounding elements, as

well as . . . provide optimal fit and comfort while participating in the sport.” Pl. Resp. to Def.

First Interrogs. 5.

1
Entry Nos. 279-9313291-2, 279-9313582-4, 279-9313588-1, 279-9313790-3, 279-
9313997-4, 279-9316067-3, 279-9316419-6, 279-9317228-0, 279-9317410-4, 279-3205158-7,
279-3205173-6, 279-3205154-6. Summons 3-4.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 3

Synthetic, abrasion-resistant mesh and ventilated knit patterned fabric, which also wicks

away moisture, makes up the five motocross jerseys at issue.2 Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6.

“The jerseys have padded elbows for abrasion and impact protection” and “form an integrated

protection system” with the use of “a tacky silicon print on the lower back to keep the jersey

tucked into the motocross pant when riding.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6. An oversized,

multi-panel cut allows for a non-binding fit so that other safety equipment, which if permanently

affixed in the good would result in improper fit and inadequate safety,3 may be worn under the

jersey. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6.

Six different models comprise the subject pants,4 and riders generally use the goods off-

road on motocross tracks, supercross tracks, or on other off-road courses. Dep. of Jeffrey T.

Hart, Def. Mot. for Summ. J. Ex. B at 12:12-16 (“Hart Dep.”). Heavy-duty nylon provides riders

with impact and abrasion protection, and the pants contain additional comfort features, such as

“mesh panels for venting, heat resistant inner leg areas (made of leather or man[-]made fibers) to

prevent burns from the engine and exhaust pipe, and spandex and stretch panels to allow freedom

of movement and a non[-]binding fit in the legs, seat, and crotch area.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First

2
The relevant jersey models include the Men’s and Boy’s Phase S5, Men’s and Boy’s
Core S5, and the Men’s AC S5. Compl. ¶ 8.
3
The typical safety equipment worn under the jerseys consist of chest, kidney, and elbow
guards. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6.
4
The pertinent pant models include the AC S5, Core S5, Core S5 Youth, XCR, M1 Kids,
and M1. Compl. ¶ 7.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 4

Interrogs. 5. To ensure freedom of movement, the pants also include [[ ]] hip padding

instead of alternative rigid protective elements.5 Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 5.

Finally, the LeMans motorcycle jackets at issue are the Super Duty, Merc, Tarmac, and

the Airtex Sport.6 Compl. ¶ 9. Heavy-duty materials provide protection to the rider on the public

street from impact and abrasion injuries “which may result from a crash or fall, including the

initial impact and the sliding contact with the pavement.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6.

Internal armor pads, constructed of [[ special material ]], appear in the shoulders

and elbows, “the highest impact areas in the event of crashes or falls.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First

Interrogs. 6. The jackets also feature a [[ ]] back pad for added

protection. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6. LeMans designed the jackets to fit closely to the

5
The Core, XCR, and M1 models contain [[ various types of padding, ]]
approximately [[ ]] thick, while the AC model includes [[ other certain padding
]]. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 5. The two Core, XCR, M1, and AC models also
incorporate [[ ]] padding [[ ]] in the seat or tail area. Pl.
Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 5. [[ Various ]] patches on the upper seat area provide
additional impact protection in the Core, XCR, and M1 models. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs.
5.
6
More specifically, the Super Duty contains a “heavyweight waxed cotton chassis with
leather sleeves,” shoulder and elbow armor pads that meet more stringent European standards,
“[[ a ]] back pad, and zippered chest vents.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First
Interrogs. 7. The Merc consists of a “heavyweight Dynax Nylon chassis, [European-]approved
shoulder and elbow armor pads, [[ a ]] back pad and ribbed spandex panels
under the arms for ventilation, [and a] zipper cover on bottom of [the] front zipper to prevent
scratches to the motorcycle gas tank.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 7. Finally, the Tarmac
includes a “heavyweight knitted polyester mesh chassis . . . , [European-]approved shoulder and
elbow armor pads, [[ a ]] back pad, [and] leather elbows,” while the Airtex
Sport contains a “heavyweight polyester mesh chassis, [European-]approved shoulder and elbow
armor pads, [[ a ]] back pad, [as well as an] adjustable waist band, reflective
logo on [the] back to enhance nighttime visibility, [and] rubber coated snaps to prevent scratches
to the motorcycle gas tank.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 7.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 5

rider’s body and tapered the sleeves snugly around the wrist “to keep the jacket in proper position

while riding or during a crash.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6. The jackets also

accommodate a rider’s posture with a cut that has longer sleeves and fuller shoulders, with

zippered vents or mesh providing “airflow into the jacket for various riding conditions.” Pl.

Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6-7.

In summary, all the subject merchandise are readily recognizable as articles of clothing

albeit with certain specialized protective features, some minimal, some more significant.

B. The Subject Classification

Customs classified the subject merchandise under five subheadings within Chapters 61

and 62 of the HTSUS.7 The agency entered the relevant motocross jerseys as “Sweaters,

pullovers, sweatshirts, waistcoats (vests) and similar articles, knitted or crocheted: Of man-made

fibers: Other” under subheading 6110.30.30 of the HTSUS at a duty rate of 32% ad valorem.

Compl. ¶¶ 13, 20. Customs classified the subject motocross pants as “Garments, made up of

fabrics of heading 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906 or 5907: Other men’s or boy’s garments: Of man-

made fibers: Other” under subheading 6210.40.50 of the HTSUS at a duty rate of 7.1% ad

valorem.8 Compl. ¶¶ 11, 19. Finally, Customs found that the various motorcycle jackets fit

7
All citations to the HTSUS refer to the 2004, as determined by the date of importation
for the merchandise.
8
Headings 5602, 5603, 5903, 5906, and 5907 of the HTSUS cover certain fabrics.
Heading 5602 includes “Felt, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated,” while
Heading 5603 provides for “Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or
laiminated.” Under the other three provisions, Heading 5903 encompasses “Textile fabrics
impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics, other than those of heading 5902,”
Heading 5906 comprises “Rubberized textile fabrics, other than those of heading 5902,” and
Court No. 06-00038 Page 6

within three separate provisions of Heading 6201, HTSUS, and classified and liquidated the

Airtex Sport and Merc models under subheading 6201.93.30 at a duty rate of 7.1% ad valorem,

the Tarmac jacket under 6201.93.35 at a rate of 27.7% ad valorem, and the Super Duty model

under 6201.92.15 at a rate of 6.2% ad valorem.9 Compl. ¶¶ 14-15, 21; Answer ¶ 15.

Heading 5907 concerns “Textile fabrics otherwise impregnated, coated or covered; painted
canvas being theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like.”
9
Heading 6201 of the HTSUS covers in pertinent part:

6201 Men’s or boys’ overcoats, carcoats, capes, cloaks, anoraks
(including ski-jackets), windbreakers and similar articles
(including padded, sleeveless jackets), other than those of heading
6203[(which covers “Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, suit-type
jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and
shorts (other than swimwear)”)]:
...
Anoraks (including ski-jackets), windbreakers and similar articles
(including padded, sleeveless jackets)
...
6201.92 Of cotton.
...
Other:
6201.92.15 Water resistant.
...
6201.93 Of man-made fibers:
...
Other
...
Other
...
Other
6201.93.30 Water resistant.
6201.93.35 Other.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 7

II. Subject Matter Jurisdiction & Standard of Review

The Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions commenced under 19 U.S.C.

§ 1515 that contest Customs’s denial of a protest. 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a). An action before the

court warrants summary judgment “if the pleadings, discovery and disclosure materials on file,

and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant

is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” USCIT R. 56(c); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett,

477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). A genuine issue of material fact exists only when the court could

resolve a factual element under the applicable law in favor of either party. See Marriott Int’l

Resorts, L.P. v. United States, 586 F.3d 962, 968 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (citing Anderson v. Liberty

Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 247-49 (1986)). If no dispute over a material fact would impact the

outcome of the suit and the action focuses solely on the proper classification of the merchandise,

as in this case, the court may grant summary judgment. See Bausch & Lomb, Inc. v. United

States, 148 F.3d 1363, 1365 (Fed Cir. 1998).

The court applies a two-step analysis when determining whether Customs properly

classified the imported merchandise. Pillowtex Corp. v. Unites States, 171 F.3d 1370, 1373

(Fed. Cir. 1999) (citing Bausch & Lomb, Inc., 148 F.3d at 1365). The court first must ascertain

the meaning of the terms within the relevant tariff provision and subsequently determine whether

the subject merchandise fits within those terms. Id. The first step presents a question of law,

Franklin v. United States, 289 F.3d 753, 757 (Fed. Cir. 2002), while the second concerns issues

of fact. Pillowtex Corp., 171 F.3d at 1373. Normally, the factual component of the Customs

classification garners a presumption of correctness. 28 U.S.C. § 2639(a)(1). However, that
Court No. 06-00038 Page 8

presumption does not apply to Customs’s decision when no factual disputes surround the subject

merchandise. Intercontinental Marble Corp. v. United States, 27 CIT 654, 655 n.3, 264 F. Supp.

2d 1306, 1309 n.3 (2003), aff’d, 381 F.3d 1169 (Fed. Cir. 2004).

III. Discussion

A. The General Rules of Interpretation

The GRIs govern the classification of goods under the HTSUS. Boen Hardwood

Flooring, Inc. v. United States, 357 F.3d 1262, 1264 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The court applies the

GRIs in numerical order and once a particular rule provides proper classification, the court may

not consider any subsequent GRI. See Mita Copystar Am. v. United States, 160 F.3d 710, 712

(Fed. Cir. 1998). The products in this case are subject to classification pursuant to the first rule,

GRI 1, which holds that “classification shall be determined according to the terms of the

headings and any relative section or chapter notes.” GRI 1; see also Orlando Food Corp. v.

United States, 140 F.3d 1437, 1440 (Fed. Cir. 1998). Absent contrary legislative intent, the court

must construe HTSUS terms “according to their common and commercial meanings.” Carl

Zeiss, Inc. v. United States, 195 F.3d 1375, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (citation omitted). The

Explanatory Notes (“EN”) that accompany each Chapter of the HTSUS provide persuasive

assistance to the court in ascertaining the correct classification of the merchandise, though the

explanations do not constitute legally binding authority. See Lonza, Inc. v. United States, 46 F.3d

1098, 1109 (Fed. Cir. 1995). Once it determines that the particular heading controls the analysis,

the court must look to the subheadings to find the correct classification for the merchandise. See

Orlando Food Corp., 140 F.3d at 1440. Therefore, under GRI 1, determining the most
Court No. 06-00038 Page 9

appropriate classification for the merchandise involves a “close textual analysis of the language

of the headings and the accompanying explanatory notes.” Bauer Nike Hockey USA, Inc. v.

United States, 27 CIT 1645, 1652, 305 F. Supp. 2d 1345, 1351 (2003), rev’d on other grounds,

393 F.3d 1246 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (“Bauer”).

B. The Classification of the Subject Merchandise

While Defendant maintains that it correctly classified the merchandise under Chapters 61

and 62 of the HTSUS, Def. Mot. for Summ. J. 8, 21-28, LeMans argues that two provisions

under Heading 9506 (subheading 9506.91.00, at a duty rate of 4.6% ad valorem, or in the

alternative 9506.99.60, at a rate of 4% ad valorem) best describe the subject jerseys, pants and

jackets.10 Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. 3-23. Moreover, Plaintiff contends that “the specialized nature

and purpose of [its] goods preclude them from classification in [C]hapters 61 or 62.” Pl. Mot.

for Summ. J. 23. The central question in this case is whether the subject merchandise constitute

“other sports equipment” classifiable under Chapter 95 or whether Customs correctly classified

10
Heading 9506 provides in relevant part:

9506 Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics,
athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games,
not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming
pools and wading pools; parts and accessories thereof:
...
Other:
9506.91.00 Articles and equipment for general physical
exercise, gymnastics or athletics; parts and
accessories thereof.
...
9506.99 Other
...
9506.99.60 Other.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 10

the goods in the first instance as certain apparel under Chapters 61 and 62. Because the

motocross jerseys, motocross pants, and motorcycle jackets are described by the terms of the

respective headings in Chapters 61 and 62, and are wearing apparel, the court agrees with

Customs’s classification of the subject merchandise.

1. The Motocross Jerseys & Pants

The subject motocross jerseys constitute a knitted “sweater” under the plain language of

Heading 6110. Neither the HTSUS nor the legislative history defines the term sweater. Under

the common meaning of those terms, see Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195 F.3d at 1379, a sweater describes

“a knitted or sometimes crocheted elastic jacket or pullover made in various styles and of various

materials and usu[ally] having ribbing around the neck, cuffs, and lower edge,” and a pullover

comprises “a garment (as a sweater, shirt, or blouse) that is put on by being pulled over the head

and is usu[ally] made without a placket or similar opening.”11 Webster’s Third New

International Dictionary 1840, 2308 (2002). A garment typifies “an article of outer clothing (as

a coat or dress) usu[ally] exclusive of accessories,” and clothing means a “covering for the

human body or garments in general: all the garments and accessories worn by a person at any

one time.” Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 428, 936 (2002); see also

H.I.M./Fathom, Inc. v. United States, 21 CIT 776, 781, 981 F. Supp. 610, 615 (1997) (citing

Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 428, 936 (1993)). In relevant part, the EN to 6110

adds that the heading covers “a category of knitted or crocheted articles . . . designed to cover the

upper parts of the body (jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles).” EN

11
A “placket” is “a finished slit in a garment.” Webster’s Third New International
Dictionary 1728 (2002).
Court No. 06-00038 Page 11

61.10. The jerseys consist of synthetic, knit-patterned fabrics cut in assorted designs and made

with various mesh and ventilated materials that cover the human body at a particular time, i.e.,

while engaging in motocross activities and other power sports riding. Pl. Resp. to Def. First

Interrogs. 5-6. Each of the jerseys has a small placket, and an individual must pull the article

over his head to wear it. See, e.g., Men’s Core S5 Jersey, Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. Ex. 12. This

description fits closely with the terms of Heading 6110, and because the goods are wearing

apparel, see Admiral Craft Equip. Corp. v. United States, 82 Cust. Ct. 162, 164 (1979) (not

reported in F. Supp.), the court upholds Customs’s classification of the jerseys under subheading

6110.30.30 of the HTSUS.

Similarly, using the HTSUS-defined meaning of relevant terms and the common

understanding of “garment,” see Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195 F.3d at 1379, the language of Heading

6210 controls the classification of the motocross pants. As a garment, the pants cover the human

body, and an individual wears the article of outer clothing at a particular time – when she rides

on motocross tracks, supercross tracks, or other off-road courses. Hart Dep. at 12:13-16.

Moreover, the pants include certain textile fabrics that fall under Headings 5903 and 5906,12

Note 1 to Chapter 59, HTSUS, in that the articles consist of some combination of the following:

heavy-duty nylon mesh, heavy-duty ballistic woven nylon fabric, heavy-duty woven polyester,

12
The term “textile fabric” applies to, inter alia, fabrics made of man-made fibers
produced by the polymerization of organic monomers, such as polyester and polyurethane, as
well as those fibers made through the chemical transformation of natural organic polymers. Note
1(a)-(b) to Chapter 54, HTSUS.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 12

heavy-duty polyester, and Keprotec®.13 Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶ 40;

Def.’s Resp. to Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶ 40. These man-made fibers form

the “mesh panels for venting, heat resistant inner leg areas,” and the stretch panels “in the legs,

seat, and crotch area.” Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 5. The pants also conform to the relevant

EN to Heading 6210. EN 62.10 (stating that heading covers “all garments made up of . . . textile

fabrics (other than knitted or crocheted fabrics) of heading 59.03, 59.06 or 59.07”) (emphasis

removed). The description of the pants situates the article squarely within the terms of Heading

6210 and the class of goods used as wearing apparel. See Admiral Craft Equip. Corp., 82 Cust.

Ct. at 164. Therefore, the court also upholds Customs’s classification of the pants under

subheading 6210.40.50 of the HTSUS.

2. The Motorcycle Jackets

The common definition of an “overcoat” encompasses the subject motorcycle jackets and,

therefore, the plain text of Heading 6201 covers these articles. A word not defined by the

HTSUS or in legislative history, an overcoat connotes “a coat worn over a suit or other clothing,”

and “coat” indicates “an outer garment (as a raincoat) usu[ally] with long sleeves, a collar, and a

single-breasted or double-breasted front opening made of fabric, fur, or plastic and varying in

length and style according to fashion and use.” Webster’s Third New International Dictionary

433, 1607 (2002). An individual wears the jackets over other clothing and at a particular time,

such as when he rides on the public street. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6. The jackets also

13
Keprotec is a unique blend of several synthetic fibers – Cordura®, Dyanfil TS-70,
Kevlar®, and polyurethane fibers. Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶ 47; Def.’s
Resp. to Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶ 47.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 13

vary in length and style to accommodate a rider’s posture, with a cut that has longer sleeves and

fuller shoulders. Pl. Resp. to Def. First Interrogs. 6-7. LeMans designed the Men’s and Boys’

articles to consist of a combination of the following materials: heavy-duty polyester knitted and

mesh fabrics; Dynax nylon; and a heavyweight waxed cotton chassis. Pl.’s Statement of

Undisputed Material Facts at ¶ 82; Def.’s Resp. to Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts

at ¶ 82. The jackets do not amount to “Men’s or boys’ suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets,

blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, [or] breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)” under

Heading 6203.14 In finding that the description of the jackets conform with the text of Heading

6201 and identify with wearing apparel, see Admiral Craft Equip. Corp., 82 Cust. Ct. at 164, the

court upholds Customs’s classification of the garments under subheadings 6201.92.15,

6201.93.30, and 6201.93.35.

14
A “suit” is “a set of garments composed of two or three pieces made up, in respect of
their outer surface, in identical fabric and comprising,” inter alia, a garment designed to cover
the upper part of the body and another article that covers the lower part of the body. Note 3(a) to
Chapter 62, HTSUS. Importantly, “[a]ll of the components of a ‘suit’ must be of the same fabric
construction, color, and composition,” id., a requirement that places the subject jackets outside of
this definition. That requirement also prevents classification of the merchandise as either an
“ensemble” or a “suit-type jacket” under Heading 6203. Note 3(b) to Chapter 62, HTSUS;
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 1206 (2002) (defining “jacket” as “a garment like
a coat for the upper body usu[ally] having a front opening, collar, lapels, sleeves, and pockets,
made in varying lengths from waist to hip, and worn separately or as part of a suit”). Moreover,
the different nature of a blazer disqualifies it as an accurate description of the merchandise.
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 232 (2002) (defining “blazer” as “a single-
breasted sports jacket of flannel or other fabric in bright stripes or solid color made usu[ally] with
a notched collar, patch pockets, and sometimes decorated edges). Finally, unlike the jackets at
issue, the terms breeches, overalls, shorts, and trousers all address articles that cover the lower
body in part. See Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 274, 1606, 2102, 2453 (2002).
Court No. 06-00038 Page 14

C. The Subject Goods Are Not Eligible for Classification Under Chapter 95 of the HTSUS

After providing what it understands as the controlling definition for “equipment,” Pl.

Mot. for Summ. J. 3-4, LeMans avers that the jerseys, pants, and jackets constitute “sports

equipment” under Heading 9506. Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. 5-23. In the event that the subject goods

are classifiable both as other sports equipment under Chapter 95 and apparel in Chapters 61 and

62, LeMans argues that GRI 3(a) compels the court to find that Chapter 95 more specifically

describes the subject merchandise. Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. 29-30. The court is not persuaded by

either argument.

The EN to Heading 9506 demonstrates that the subject merchandise is of a different

nature and character than those classifiable as “sports equipment” under Chapter 95. To qualify

as “equipment” for a sport, the good should generally provide “what is necessary, useful, or

appropriate.” See Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 768 (2002) (defining

“equipment” as “the equipping of a person or thing” and “equip” as “to provide with what is

necessary, useful, or appropriate”); see also Rollerblade, Inc. v. United States, 282 F.3d 1349,

1354 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (explaining that “definition offered for ‘equipment’ includes those articles

that are necessary and specifically designed for use in athletics and other sports”). While the

subject merchandise arguably constitutes useful, if not necessary, articles to motocross and

motorcycle riding, Subsection B of EN 95.06 distinguishes the subject merchandise from articles
Court No. 06-00038 Page 15

typically classified under Heading 9506.15 The examples listed in Subsection B center on non-

clothing articles and do not describe apparel like the subject merchandise. Although Example 13

suggests that some apparel-like items might fall under Heading 9506, those examples consist

almost entirely of certain internal guards or pads pieced together by minimal textile components,

15
In relevant part, the EN states that Heading 9506 covers requisites for other sports, such
as

(1) Snow-skis and other snow-ski equipment, (e.g., ski-fastenings (ski-bindings), ski
brakes, ski poles).
(2) Water-skis, surf-boards, sailboards and other water-sport equipment, such as
diving stages (platforms), chutes, divers’ flippers and respiratory masks of a kind
used without oxygen or compressed air bottles, and simple underwater breathing
tubes (generally known as “snorkels”) for swimmers or divers.
(3) Golf clubs and other golf equipment, such as golf balls, golf tees.
(4) Articles and equipment for table-tennis (ping-pong), such as tables (with or
without legs), bats (paddles), balls and nets.
(5) Tennis, badminton or similar rackets (e.g., squash rackets), whether or not strung.
(6) Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls, such as tennis balls, footballs,
rugby balls and similar balls (including bladders and covers for such balls); water
polo, basketball and similar valve type balls; cricket balls.
(7) Ice skates and roller skates, including skating boots with skates attached.
(8) Sticks and bats for hockey, cricket, lacrosse, etc.; chistera (jai alai scoops); pucks
for ice hockey; curling stones.
(9) Nets for various games (tennis, badminton, volleyball, football, basketball, etc.).
(10) Fencing equipment: fencing foils, sabres and rapiers and their parts (e.g., blades,
guards, hilts and buttons or stops), etc.
(11) Archery equipment, such as bows, arrows and targets.
(12) Equipment of a kind used in children’s playgrounds (e.g., swings, slides, see-saws
and giant strides).
(13) Protective equipment for sports or games, e.g., fencing masks and breast plates,
elbow and knee pads, cricket pads, shin-guards.
(14) Other articles and equipment, such as requisites for deck tennis, quoits or bowls;
skate boards; racket presses; mallets for polo or croquet; boomerangs; ice axes;
clay pigeons and clay pigeon projectors; bobsleighs (bobsleds), luges and similar
non-motorised vehicles for sliding on snow or ice.

EN 95.06 (B).
Court No. 06-00038 Page 16

a description that does not fit the subject merchandise. See Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. Exs. 7-17. In

fact, the type of merchandise represented in Example 13 more accurately describes the products

that riders typically will attach directly to their body, with the subject merchandise worn over

those hard guards and braces. Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 18, 58, 120;

Def.’s Resp. to Pl.’s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 18, 58, 120; Hart Dep. 10:4-23,

13:13, 14:19, 19:7-13, 27:24, 29:11, 40:1, 43:20. That riders rely on hard protection worn

underneath the jerseys, pants, and jackets illustrates the nature of the subject goods as apparel

and not sports equipment. Moreover, Note 1(e) to Chapter 95 provides additional support for the

conclusion that goods like the subject merchandise do not constitute sports equipment. Chapter

95, Note 1(e), HTSUS (explaining that Chapter 95 does not cover, inter alia, “[s]ports clothing

or fancy dress, of textiles, of [C]hapter 61 or 62”). Thus, Heading 9506 does not control the

classification of the subject merchandise.

LeMans does not convince the court that the Federal Circuit meant to provide an

authoritative definition of “equipment” in Bauer, or that the analysis therein governs the

classification of the subject merchandise in this case. 393 F.3d 1246.16 In that case, Customs had

classified ice hockey pants – constructed primarily of an exterior nylon or polyester textile shell

and an interior assembly of hard nylon plastic guards and soft polyurethane, polyethylene, or

polyester foam padding attached to a belt – under subheading 6211.33.00 of the HTSUS,17 a

16
To be sure, the Bauer decision can be read to caution against an overly restrictive
interpretation of “equipment.” 393 F.3d at 1250-51.
17
This subheading provides covers “track suits, ski-suits and swimwear; other garments”
comprised “[o]f man-made fibers.” 6211.33.00, HTSUS.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 17

classification upheld by this Court. Bauer Nike Hockey USA, Inc., 27 CIT at 1651-61, 305 F.

Supp. 2d at 1351-59. On appeal, Plaintiff Bauer Nike Hockey USA, Inc. alleged that its

merchandise was more appropriately classifiable under subheading 9506.99.25.18 Bauer, 393

F.3d at 1250. The Federal Circuit disagreed with how this Court construed the term

“equipment,” id. at 1250-51, but in so doing did not give its opinion on what constituted a

controlling definition of that term. See id. The Federal Circuit explained that “equipment”

defines “the equipping of a person or thing” and that “equip” means “to provide with what is

necessary, useful or appropriate.” Id. at 1251 (citing Webster’s Third New International

Dictionary 768 (1993)) (quotation marks omitted). The Federal Circuit noted that the definition

for equipment “provides no support for the Court of International Trade’s conclusion that an item

must be necessary to be equipment because the definition uses the disjunctive, ‘or,’ in the

definition of ‘equip,’ not the conjunctive, ‘and.’” Id. Moreover, in finding that Chapter 95

covered the merchandise at issue in Bauer, the Federal Circuit reached its decision using GRI

3(a). Id. at 1252-53. In this case, the court bases its decision on GRI 1 and finds no need to

resort to an analysis under GRI 3. Therefore, the court finds that Bauer does not control its

analysis.

The Customs classification of certain gear after the Federal Circuit’s decision in Bauer

further demonstrates that the subject goods are distinct from those classifiable under Heading

9506. In 2005, Customs classified under Heading 9506 a shin-guard made of hard plastic with

18
Subheading 9605.99.25 controls the classification of certain sports equipment – “[i]ce-
hockey and field-hockey articles and equipment, except balls, and parts and accessories thereof.”
9506.99.25, HTSUS.
Court No. 06-00038 Page 18

an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam backing permanently encased in a specially-fitted polyester sock,

noting that the “hard protective guard is specially-fitted to the polyester sock in which it is

encased and it is not removable.” HQ 967738 (Sept. 21, 2005). However, later that year,

Customs determined that knitted polyester and cotton shorts and pants with high-density foam

padding designed for soccer goalkeepers did not constitute sports equipment under Heading

9506, but instead classified the soccer pants and shorts under Heading 6114, HTSUS. HQ

967957 (Dec. 9, 2005). Customs reasoned that while the articles contained various protective

features, the padding appeared “in isolated areas where goalkeepers are most likely to make

contact with the ground. Th[at] padding is insubstantial, offering only some cushioning from the

ground and protection against ground abrasions.” Id. Similar to the soccer pants and shorts, the

subject merchandise incorporates limited padding to isolated areas of the article, and they do not

contain nor are predominantly comprised of hard plastic like the shin-guards in HQ 967738 or

the ice hockey pants in Bauer. See Pl. Mot. for Summ. J. Exs. 7-17.

Finally, as previously noted, the terms of the relevant headings within Chapters 61 and 62

describe the subject merchandise. Because GRI 1 resolves this classification inquiry, the court

need not consider any subsequent GRI. See Mita Copystar Am., 160 F.3d at 712.

IV. Conclusion

Using GRI 1, the court upholds Customs’s classification of the subject merchandise under

the relevant provisions of Chapters 61 and 62 of the HTSUS.

Dated: February 8, 2010 /s/ Judith M. Barzilay
New York, New York Judith M. Barzilay, Judge