NY G84328

December 8, 2000

CLA-2-61:RR:NC:3:353 G84328

CATEGORY: Classification

TARIFF NO.: 6114.30.3060

Mr. Wilson F. Hunt, Jr.

Champro Sports Equipment

3600 Jarvis Avenue

Skokie, IL 60076

RE: The tariff classification of football pants from Pakistan.

Dear Mr. Hunt:

In your letter dated November 9, 2000 you requested a classification
ruling.

The submitted samples are style numbers FPY, FPY2 and FPA football
pants. The pants are all constructed of knit 100% polyester fabric. All
the pants have an elasticized cuff and extend to just below the knee.
You state all the garments are sized specifically for men or boys. One
style features a laced front double D-ring closure, an elasticized
waist, large inside pockets where protective pads are inserted, and
internal waist snaps used for attachment of protective hip and rear
pads. You state the snap-type style is made only in youth sizes. The
other two garments feature a laced front closure, large inside pockets
where protective pads are inserted, and slots for a belt used for
attachment of protective hip and rear pads. The slot-type styles are
made for men and youths.

You ask whether the football pants are properly classified under
subheading 6103.43.15 as "Trousers, breeches and shorts," or subheading
6114.30.30 as "Other garments." In general, sporting apparel is
classified under heading 6114 if it is designed to be worn only while
participating in a particular sport, serves a particular function for
that sport, such as, providing additional protection to the wearer, and
is not ordinarily worn at any other time. The garments in question are
recognized as football pants, have special protective design features
for that sport, and those features make them too restrictive for
everyday wear.

The applicable subheading for the FPY, FPY2 and FPA football pants will
be 6114.30.3060, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS),
which provides for "Other garments, knitted or crocheted: Of man-made
fibers: Other, Other: Men\'s or boys\'." The duty rate will be 15.4% ad
valorem for 2000 and 15.3% ad valorem for 2001.

The FPY, FPY2 and FPA football pants fall within textile category
designation 659. Based upon international textile trade agreements
products of Pakistan are not subject to quota, but are subject to the
requirement of a visa.

The designated textile and apparel categories and their quota and visa
status are the result of international agreements that are subject to
frequent renegotiations and changes. To obtain the most current
information, we suggest that you check, close to the time of shipment,
the [U.S. Customs Service Textile Status Report]{.underline}, an
internal issuance of the U.S. Customs Service, which is available at the
Customs Web site at www.customs.gov. In addition, the designated textile
and apparel categories may be subdivided into parts. If so, visa and
quota requirements applicable to the subject merchandise may be affected
and should also be verified at the time of shipment.

This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the
Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).

A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be
provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is
imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact
National Import Specialist Kenneth Reidlinger at 212-637-7084.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Swierupski

Director,

National Commodity

Specialist Division