Irwin Indus. Tool Co. v. United States , 222 F. Supp. 3d 1210 ( 2017 )

Slip Op. 17-41
UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY,
Plaintiff,
Before: Claire R. Kelly, Judge
v.
Court No. 14-00285
UNITED STATES,
Defendant.
OPINION
[Denying Defendant’s motion for summary judgment.]
Dated: April 12, 2017
Frances Pierson Hadfield, Crowell & Moring LLP, of New York, NY, and Daniel J.
Cannistra, Crowell & Moring LLP, of Washington, DC, for plaintiff.
Guy R. Eddon and Jamie L. Shookman, Trial Attorneys, U.S. Department of Justice,
International Trade Field Office, of New York, NY, for defendant. With them on the brief
were Chad A. Readler, Acting Assistant Attorney General, and Amy M. Rubin, Assistant
Director. Of counsel on the brief was Michael W. Heydrich, Office of Assistant Chief
Counsel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Kelly, Judge: The case before the court involves the classification of various hand
tools, referred to by the Plaintiff, Irwin Industrial Tools, as locking pliers. Am. Compl. ¶
15, May 4, 2015, ECF No. 13 (“Am. Compl.”). Defendant, United States Customs and
Border Protection (“CBP” or “Customs”), moved for summary judgment on January 6,
2017. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J., Jan. 6, 2017, ECF No. 43 (“Def.’s Mot.”); Mem. Supp. Def.’s
Mot. Summ. J., Jan. 6, 2017, ECF No. 43 (“Def.’s Br.”). Plaintiff opposes this motion.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 2
Pl.’s Resp. Opp’n Def.’s Mot. Summ. J., Feb. 6, 2017, ECF No. 44 (“Pl.’s Resp.”). For
the reasons that follow, Defendant’s motion is denied.
BACKGROUND
The dispute concerns the proper classification of four styles of Plaintiff’s hand
tools: “large jaw locking pliers,” “curved jaw locking pliers,” “long nose locking pliers with
wire cutter,” and “curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter.” Am. Compl. ¶¶ 17(A)–(D);
Def.’s Rule 56.3 Statement of Material Facts ¶ 1, Jan. 6, 2017, ECF No. 43-1 (“Def.’s 56.3
Statement”); see Am. Compl. Exs. B–E. Plaintiff is the importer of record of the subject
merchandise in the 46 entries at issue, which entered between the period of November
11, 2012 and June 11, 2013. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 3, 7. CBP liquidated all subject entries
under subheading 8204.12.00, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2013)
(“HTSUS”), 1 which provides as follows:
Hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches
but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles,
drives or extensions; base metal parts thereof: Hand-operated spanners
and wrenches, and parts thereof: Adjustable, and parts thereof.
Subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS, dutiable at 9 percent. Id.
Plaintiff timely filed 14 administrative protests challenging CBP’s classification of
the subject merchandise under subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS. Am. Compl. ¶ 9; Def.’s
56.3 Statement ¶ 24. CBP denied Plaintiff’s protests. Am. Compl. ¶ 9; Def.’s 56.3
Statement ¶ 25.
1 All references to the HTSUS refer to the 2013 edition, the most recent version of the HTSUS in
effect at the time of Plaintiff’s entries of subject merchandise. See Am. Compl. ¶ 7. The 2012
edition of the HTSUS, in effect at the beginning of the period during which Plaintiff entered the
subject merchandise, is the same in relevant part to the 2013 edition.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 3
Plaintiff commenced this action to contest CBP’s denial of its protests. Am. Compl.
¶ 1. Plaintiff alleges that the subject merchandise was improperly classified under
subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS, and is properly classifiable under subheading
8203.20.6030, HTSUS, subheading 8203.20.6060, HTSUS, or subheading
8205.70.0060, HTSUS. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 55, 57, 61. Specifically, Plaintiff contends that its
long nose locking pliers and curved jaw locking pliers with or without wire cutter features
are classifiable under subheading 8203.20.60, HTSUS, Pl.’s Resp. 14–20, 41–49, which
provides:
Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting
shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar hand
tools, and base metal parts thereof: Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers,
tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof.
Subheading 8203.20.60, HTSUS, dutiable at 12 cents per dozen plus 5.5 percent. 2
Alternatively, Plaintiff contends that its long nose locking pliers, curved jaw locking pliers
2
More specifically, Plaintiff contends that its long nose locking pliers and curved jaw with wire
cutter features locking pliers are classifiable under subheading 8203.20.6030, HTSUS, Pl.’s Resp.
14–17, 41–48, which provides:
Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting
shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar hand tools, and
base metal parts thereof: Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and
similar tools, and parts thereof. Other: Other (except parts): Pliers.
Subheading 8203.20.6030, HTSUS. Plaintiff argues in the alternative that its long nose, curved
jaw, and curved jaw with wire cutter features locking pliers are classifiable under subheading
8203.20.6060, HTSUS, Pl.’s Resp. 17–20, 48–49; which provides:
Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting
shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar hand tools, and
base metal parts thereof: Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and
similar tools, and parts thereof: Other: Other (except parts): Other.
Subheading 8203.20.6060, HTSUS.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 4
with wire cutter features, and curved jaw locking pliers, as well as its large jaw locking
pliers, 3 are classifiable under subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS, Pl.’s Resp. 20–24, 49–
53, which provides:
Handtools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included;
blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like,
other than accessories for and parts of machine tools; anvils; portable
forges; hand- or pedal-operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base
metal parts thereof: Vises, clamps and the like, and parts thereof: Vises:
Other.
Subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS, dutiable at 5 percent ad valorem. Id.
JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court has “exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action commenced to contest the
denial of a protest, in whole or in part, under [Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C.
§ 1515 (2012)],” 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) (2012), and reviews such actions de novo. 28
U.S.C. § 2640(a)(1) (2012).
The court will grant summary judgment when “the movant shows that there is no
genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter
of law.” USCIT R. 56(a). In order to raise a genuine issue of material fact, it is insufficient
for a party to rest upon mere allegations or denials, but rather that party must point to
3
Both Plaintiff and Defendant state that there are four styles of hand tools at issue in this case,
and that those styles are referred to as “large jaw locking pliers,” “curved jaw locking pliers,” “long
nose locking pliers with wire cutter,” and “curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter.” Am. Compl.
¶¶ 17(A)–(D); Def.’s Answer ¶ 17; Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 1. However, in Plaintiff’s response,
Plaintiff also references “straight jaw locking pliers,” contending that these styles of pliers are also
classifiable within subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS. See Pl.’s Resp. 22–23. It is unclear
whether Plaintiff’s reference to “straight jaw locking pliers” is an alternate description of one of the
four styles of tools that are undisputedly at issue or if this reference is intended to cover a fifth
style of tools. To the extent that it is the latter, it is not undisputed that the merchandise at issue
includes “straight jaw locking pliers” styles of hand tools.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 5
sufficient supporting evidence for the claimed factual dispute to require resolution of the
differing versions of the truth at trial. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248–
49 (1986); Processed Plastic Co. v. United States, 473 F.3d 1164, 1170 (Fed. Cir. 2006);
Barmag Barmer Maschinenfabrik AG v. Murata Machinery, Ltd., 731 F.2d 831, 835–36
(Fed. Cir. 1984).
UNDISPUTED FACTS
Plaintiff is the importer of record of the subject merchandise in the 46 entries at
issue, which entered during the period of November 11, 2012 through June 11, 2013.
Am. Compl. ¶¶ 3, 7; Answer to Am. Compl. ¶¶ 3, 7, Aug. 7, 2015, ECF No. 19 (“Def.’s
Answer”); Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 22; Pl.’s Resp. Appendix 1, ¶ 22, Feb. 6, 2017, ECF
No. 44 (“Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement”). CBP liquidated all subject entries under
subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS. Am. Compl. ¶ 8; Def.’s Answer ¶ 8; Def.’s 56.3
Statement ¶ 23; Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 23. Plaintiff paid all liquidated duties,
charges, exactions, and fees on the entries at issue prior to the commencement of this
action. Am. Compl. ¶ 5; Def.’s Answer ¶ 5. Plaintiff timely filed 14 protests challenging
the classification of the merchandise at issue. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 24; Pl.’s Resp.
Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 24.
The subject merchandise consists of four styles of locking hand tools: “large jaw
locking pliers,” “curved jaw locking pliers,” “long nose locking pliers with wire cutter,” and
“curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter.” Am. Compl. ¶ 17; Def.’s Answer ¶ 17.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 6
All of the subject tools at issue in this case are locking tools, referred to as “locking pliers,” 4
Am. Compl. ¶ 15; Def.’s Answer ¶ 15; Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 9; Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3
Statement ¶ 9, such that the tool may remain locked on an object without applying
continuous hand force. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶¶ 8, 9; Pl.’s Resp. 8; see Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s
56.3 Statement ¶ 8. The subject merchandise has two opposing metal jaws with metal
teeth. Am. Compl. ¶ 20; Def.’s Answer ¶ 20.
DISCUSSION
I. The Meaning of the Tariff Terms
The court discerns the common and commercial meaning of the tariff terms at
issue, which are “wrenches,” “pliers,” and “vises, clamps and the like.”
A. The Meaning of the Tariff Term “Wrenches”
The court discerns the common and commercial meaning of “wrenches” as found
in subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS, aided by dictionary definitions and industry
standards. The court has also considered whether use is implicated by the tariff term.
4
Plaintiff owns various U.S. Trademarks for the term “VISE-GRIP.” Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 2;
Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement 55, ¶ 2. Plaintiff avers that, while it applies the “VISE-GRIP®”
trademark to the merchandise at issue in this case, Pl.’s Resp. 7, n.1, “vise grip” is not the product
name for these tools. Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 1. Plaintiff refers to the products at
issue as styles of “locking pliers.” Pl.’s Resp. 7; Am. Compl. ¶ 15. Nonetheless, throughout its
papers, Defendant refers to the merchandise as “vise grips,” rather than “locking pliers.” See,
e.g., Def.’s Br. 2 (“[Plaintiff] asks this Court to classify its vise grips as pliers.”), 3 (“The models of
vise grips covered by the protests and entries at issue differ primarily in the shape of their jaws .
. . ”). Plaintiff objects to Defendant’s description of its products as “vise grips,” noting that “[t]here
is no such thing as a ‘vise grip’—there are only Plaintiff’s VISE-GRIP® tools, such as VISE-GRIP®
pliers, VISE-GRIP® locking pliers, VISE-GRIP® wrenches, and so forth.” Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3
Statement 56.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 7
For the reasons that follow, the term “wrench” refers to a hand tool5 composed of a head
with jaws or sockets 6 having surfaces adapted to snugly or exactly fit and engage the
head of a fastener (such as a bolt-head or nut) and a frame with a singular handle with
which to leverage hand pressure to turn the fastener without damaging the fastener’s
head.
Customs classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (“GRI”),
which are part of the HTSUS statute. BenQ Am. Corp. v. United States, 646 F.3d 1371,
1376 (Fed. Cir. 2011). When determining the correct classification for merchandise, the
court first construes the language of the headings in question “and any relative section or
chapter notes.” 7 GRI 1. The terms of the HTSUS “are construed according to their
5
Although a wrench can also be a power tool, see The American Heritage Dictionary of the
English Language 1985 (Houghton Mifflin Co. 4th ed. 2000) (Wrench: Any of various hand or
power tools, often having fixed or adjustable jaws, used for gripping, turning, or twisting objects
such as nuts, bolts, or pipes.); McGraw Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms 2305
(McGraw-Hill 6th ed. 2003) (Wrench: a manual or power tool with adapted or adjustable jaws or
sockets either at the end or between the ends of a lever for holding or turning a bolt, pipe, or other
object.), the tariff provision at issue is limited to “hand-operated spanners and wrenches.”
Heading 8204, HTSUS. The common and commercial meaning of “wrench” discerned here is
accordingly limited to wrenches operated by hand.
6 Most of the sources consulted by the court refer to a “wrench” as a hand tool having a head with
jaws or sockets. See, e.g., McGraw Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms 2305
(McGraw-Hill 6th ed. 2003) (Wrench: a manual or power tool with adapted or adjustable jaws or
sockets either at the end or between the ends of a lever for holding or turning a bolt, pipe, or other
object.). However, the relevant tariff heading provides separately for socket wrenches, see
Subheading 8204.20.00, HTSUS (“Hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque
meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles, drives
or extensions; base metal parts thereof: Socket wrenches, with or without handles, drives and
extensions, and parts thereof”), and there is no claim here that the subject merchandise is a
socket wrench. Accordingly, the court does not undertake to define the tariff term “socket
wrenches.”
7 Determining the correct classification of merchandise involves two steps. First, the court
(footnote continued)
Court No. 14-00285 Page 8
common and commercial meanings, which are presumed to be the same.” Carl Zeiss,
Inc. v. United States, 195 F.3d 1375, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (citing Simod Am. Corp. v.
United States, 872 F.2d 1572, 1576 (Fed. Cir. 1989)); see BenQ Am. Corp., 646 F.3d at
1376. The court defines HTSUS tariff terms relying upon its own understanding of the
terms and may “consult lexicographic and scientific authorities, dictionaries, and other
reliable information sources.” Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195 F.3d at 1379. The court may also be
aided by the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System's Explanatory
Notes (“Explanatory Notes”). 8 StoreWALL, LLC v. United States, 644 F.3d 1358, 1363
(Fed. Cir. 2011). In determining the common and commercial meaning of an eo nomine
tariff term, the court should also consider if the tariff term nonetheless implicates the use
of the article. See GRK Canada, Ltd. v. United States, 761 F.3d 1354, 1358–59 (Fed.
Cir. 2014) (“GRK II”).
The court must first look to the words of the tariff to discern its meaning.
Defendant’s preferred subheading of the HTSUS provides as follows:
Hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches
but not including tap wrenches); socket wrenches, with or without handles,
determines the proper meaning of any applicable tariff provisions, which is a question of law. See
Link Snacks, Inc. v. United States, 742 F.3d 962, 965 (Fed. Cir. 2014). Second, the court
determines whether the subject merchandise properly falls within the scope of the tariff provisions,
which is a question of fact. Id. Where no genuine “dispute as to the nature of the merchandise
[exists], then the two-step classification analysis collapses entirely into a question of law.” Id. at
965–66 (citation omitted). Finally, the court must determine “whether the government’s
classification is correct, both independently and in comparison with the importer’s alternative.”
Jarvis Clark Co. v. United States, 733 F.2d 873, 878 (Fed. Cir. 1984).
8
The Explanatory Notes, while not controlling, provide interpretive guidance. E.T. Horn Co. v.
United States, 367 F.3d 1326, 1329 (Fed. Cir. 2004). All citations to the Explanatory Notes are
to the 2013 version, the most recently promulgated edition at the time of the entries of the subject
merchandise. The 2012 version of the Explanatory Notes is the same in relevant part.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 9
drives or extensions; base metal parts thereof: Hand-operated spanners
and wrenches, and parts thereof: Adjustable, and parts thereof. 9
Subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS.
Here, several dictionary definitions aid the court in discerning the common and
commercial meaning of a wrench. Plaintiff offers a dictionary definition which defines
“wrench” 10 as “a hand tool that usually consists of a bar or a lever with adapted or
adjustable jaws, lugs, or sockets either at the end or between the ends and is used for
holding, twisting or turning a bolt, nut screw head, pipe or other object.” Pl.’s Resp. 33
(quoting Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 2639 (Philip Babcock Gove, Ph. D.
9
The Explanatory Notes provide:
82.04 Hand operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches
but not including tap wrenches); interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without
handles.
Hand operated spanners and wrenches:
This heading covers the following hand tools:
(1) Hand operated spanners and wrenches (e.g., with fixed or adjustable
jaws; socket, box or ratchet spanners; crank handle spanners);
wrenches or spanners for bicycles or cars, for coach screws, hydrants
or piping (including chain type pipe wrenches); torque meter wrenches.
The heading does not, however, cover tap wrenches (heading 82.05).
(2) Interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles, including
drives and extensions.
Explanatory Notes Chapter 82, 82.04.
10
Although Defendant’s preferred subheading names spanners and wrenches, see Subheading
8204.12.00, HTSUS, there is no claim that the subject merchandise is a spanner; Defendant
claims only that the merchandise is a wrench. See Def.’s Br. 9–21; Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s
Mot. Summ. J. 5–10, Feb. 21, 2017, ECF No. 47.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 10
and Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff eds., 2002)). 11 The court has consulted several
dictionaries which provide similar definitions for a wrench, generally, to that offered by the
Plaintiff. See, e.g., 20 The Oxford English Dictionary 619 (J.A. Simpson and E.S.C.
Weiner eds., 2nd ed. 1989) (Wrench: A tool or implement of various forms, consisting
essentially of a metal bar with (freq. adjustable) jaws adapted for catching or gripping a
bolt-head, nut, etc., to turn it; a screw- key, screw-wrench, or spanner.); McGraw Hill
Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms 2305 (McGraw-Hill 6th ed. 2003) (Wrench:
a manual or power tool with adapted or adjustable jaws or sockets either at the end or
between the ends of a lever for holding or turning a bolt, pipe, or other object.). 12 The
11
Defendant did not provide a dictionary definition for “wrench” in its motion for summary
judgment, instead relying almost entirely on a prior case of this Court, Assoc. Consumers v. United
States, 5 CIT 148, 565 F. Supp. 1044 (1983), in which the court determined that merchandise
described as “vise grips” was properly classified as wrenches. See Def.’s Br. 12–21; Assoc.
Consumers v. United States, 5 CIT 148, 565 F. Supp. 1044 (1983). However, Assoc. Consumers
is a case interpreting the TSUS, a different statute which was replaced by the HTSUS in 1989.
The two provisions at issue in Assoc. Consumers were 648.97, TSUS, and 648.85, TSUS:
Item 648.97, TSUS, as modified by Proclamation No. 4707: “Pipe tools (except cutters),
wrenches, and spanners, and parts thereof …….. 10.8% ad val”
A Item 648.85, TSUS: “Pliers, nippers, and pincers, and hinged tools for holding and
splicing wire, and parts of the foregoing: A Item 648.85 Other (except parts) …….. Free”
See Assoc. Consumers, 5 CIT at 149, ns.1, 2, 565 F. Supp. at 1044, ns.1, 2. The court cited two
dictionaries to support the common meaning of the terms at issue under that statute (Audel's New
Mechanical Dictionary for Technical Trades (1960) and Webster's Third New International
Dictionary (1963)). It would be inappropriate for this court to rely on Assoc. Consumers rather
than to independently consider the words of the headings in the HTSUS statute and follow the
case law which governs this Court’s approach in classification cases.
12
See also The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1985 (Houghton Mifflin
Co. 4th ed. 2000) (Wrench: Any of various hand or power tools, often having fixed or adjustable
jaws, used for gripping, turning, or twisting objects such as nuts, bolts, or pipes.); Howard H.
Gerrish, Gerrish’s Technical Dictionary 365 (The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 1976) (Wrench
(metal): One of many varieties and types of tools used to turn nuts. Some wrenches are for fixed
sizes and others are adjustable.); Wrench, Merriam-Webster.com, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/wrench (last visited Apr. 7, 2017) (Wrench: a hand or power tool for
holding, twisting, or turning an object (as a bolt or nut).).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 11
definitions generally include reference to a handle such as a “bar” or “lever,” 13 attached
to “jaws” or “sockets” which are adapted to hold and turn a fastener such as a “bolt” or
“nut.”
Other industry sources and standards elaborate upon the characteristics of a
wrench provided in the dictionary definitions. For example, the Guide to Hand Tools:
Selection, Safety Tips, Proper Use and Care emphasizes the need for the jaws to fit
snugly around the fastener by explaining that “[w]renches are designed for holding and
turning nuts, bolts, cap screws, plugs and various threaded parts. Quality wrenches,
regardless of their type, are designed to keep leverage and intended load in safe
balance.” Guide to Hand Tools: Selection, Safety Tips, Proper Use and Care 1-1 (Hand
Tools Institute 4th ed. 2007). This guide advises users to “[s]elect a wrench whose
opening exactly fits the nut. If the wrench is not exactly the correct size for the fastener,
it may damage the corners of the fastener, slip, or break.” Id. Further, the American
Standards for Mechanical Engineering (“ASME”) provides standards for wrenches,14
including for adjustable wrenches. Flat Wrenches, B107.100-2010 (The American
13
The reference to “lever” suggests that the bar is designed to leverage pressure exerted upon
it. See, e.g., Lever, Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language 1300
(Philip Babcock Gove, Ph. D. and Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff eds., 1993) (Lever: 2a: a rigid
piece that transmits and modifies force or motion when forces are applied at two points and it
turns about a third; specifically: a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance used to exert a
pressure or sustain a weight at one point of its length by the application of a force at a second
and turning at a third on a fulcrum.).
14
Specifically, ASME provides standards for: combination wrenches (ASME B107.6); adjustable
wrenches (ASME B107.8); box wrenches, double head (ASME B107.9); wrench, crowfoot (ASME
B107.21); open end wrenches, double head (ASME B107.39); wrenches, flare nut (ASME
B107.40); and ratcheting box wrenches (ASME B107.66). See Flat Wrenches, B107.100-2010
(The American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2010).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 12
Society of Mechanical Engineers 2010). 15 The ASME standards instruct that all types of
flat wrenches shall have openings with “across-flats” or “across-corner shape,” to allow
engagement of the surfaces with hexagonal or square fasteners. See, e.g., ASME
B107.6, Combination Wrench, at 2. ASME provides that an adjustable wrench design
shall consist:
essentially of a frame (fixed jaw and handle), a movable jaw, and a jaw
opening adjustment mechanism. The angle of the opening of the jaw shall
[allow parallel engagement of the upper and lower jaw with the object held].
When the wrench is in the full open position, the jaw shall extend to provide
full contact across the flat hexagonal bar of a size that fits the full jaw
opening specified for [standard opening] wrenches. The wrench shall be
designed to allow free movement of the working parts. The wrench may be
provided with or without a movable, jaw-locking device.
Id. at B107.8 at 11. The ASME standards discuss that the surface should be smooth and
well defined, see id. at 14, and that “[t]he adjusting mechanism shall allow the movable
jaw to be positioned at any point in its range and shall include means to hold the movable
jaw in position.” Id. at 13. The figures provided in the ASME chapter on adjustable
wrenches illustrate a tool with a singular handle. See id. at Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5. These industry
15 Defendant argues that the ASME standard for “adjustable wrench” is not relevant because the
tariff term in subheading 8204.12.00 is not “adjustable wrench,” and the subheading therefore is
not limited only to wrenches marketed as “adjustable wrenches” but covers wrenches which
possess any adjustable feature (i.e., torque meter wrenches, whose head is fixed but can be
adjusted to provide specific torque to an object.). Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J.
15–16, Feb. 21, 2017, ECF No. 47. Defendant argues that the adjective “adjustable” “serves to
distinguish the ‘[h]and-operated spanners and wrenches’ covered in this subheading from the
nonadjustable tools covered in subheading 8204.11.00.” Id. at 15. The standards published by
ASME do not mirror the HTSUS. The ASME standards are reactive documents that the industry
group publishes to respond to specific needs raised by the industry. See About ASME Standards
and Certification, ASME, https://www.asme.org/about-asme/standards (last visited Apr. 7, 2017)
(“ASME develops and revises standards based on market needs through a consensus process”).
Nonetheless, the ASME standard for an adjustable wrench can aid the court here because the
adjustable wrench described by those standards is a tool which would fall within subheading
8204.12.00, HTSUS, even though the standard may not describe all the types of wrenches with
some adjustable aspect that are covered under subheading 8204.12.00, HTSUS.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 13
standards for an adjustable wrench focus on the presence of adjustable jaws shaped to
tightly engage parallel sides of a fastener (such as a bolt or nut) and a handle which
provides leverage to turn the fastener.
The court must consider whether use is implicated by the tariff terms at issue, even
when the term under consideration appears to be an eo nomine term. GRK II, 761 F.3d
at 1358–59. An eo nomine tariff term may implicate use in one of two ways: 1) a tariff
term written as an eo nomine provision may nonetheless be controlled by use and, if it is,
the court should declare it as such, 16 id. at 1359, n.2; see also StoreWALL, LLC, 644 F.3d
at 1365–67 (Dyk, J., concurring); or 2) a tariff term may imply that the use of the object is
of “paramount importance” to its identity such that articles with the requisite physical
characteristics will nonetheless be excluded if they are in fact designed and intended for
16
In GRK II, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stated that, in such cases, “[c]lassification
of subject articles may then need to reach the Additional Rules of Interpretation, which distinguish
the treatment of articles based on whether tariff classifications are controlled by principal or actual
use.” GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1359, n.2 (citing Primal Lite, Inc. v. United States, 182 F.3d 1362, 1363
(Fed. Cir. 1999); see also StoreWALL, LLC v. United States, 644 F.3d 1358, 1365–67 (Fed. Cir.
2011) (Dyk, J., concurring)); GRK Canada, Ltd. v. United States, 773 F.3d 1282, 1287 (Fed. Cir.
2014) (Wallach, J., dissenting from denial of rehearing en banc):
[I]f an eo nomine heading did “inherently suggest[ ] a type of use,” it would be
proper to convert it to a use provision. Therefore, if, as the majority holds, the
subheadings at issue are truly defined by use, the majority should have
reconsidered the parties' legal stipulation that the relevant subheadings are eo
nomine.
GRK Canada, Ltd., 773 F.3d at 1287 (Wallach, J., dissenting from denial of rehearing en banc)
(internal citation omitted); see, e.g., BASF Corp. v. United States, 30 CIT 227, 245, 427 F. Supp.
2d 1200, 1216 (2006) (explaining that “[u]se may be implied from the phrase ‘for gasoline,’ for
without the implied term the statutory phrase has no meaning.”).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 14
another use. 17 GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1358 (citing United States v. Quon Quon Co., 46
CCPA 70, 73 (1959). 18
Here, although a wrench may indeed be designed for a use, nothing about the tariff
term for “wrenches” suggests a type of use such that the court should declare the tariff
term one controlled by use. GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1358–59 (quoting Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195
F.3d at 1379). The word “use” or similar words such as “for” or “of a kind” do not appear
in the tariff term. See Clarendon Mktg., Inc. v. United States, 144 F.3d 1464, 1467 (Fed.
Cir. 1998). Furthermore nothing in the term itself, including the Section and Chapter
Notes or the Explanatory Notes, 19 indicates that, as a matter of law, the use of articles
classified under the provision would outweigh the importance of the physical
characteristics of the item. See Primal Lite, Inc. v. United States, 182 F.3d 1362, 1363–
64 (Fed. Cir. 1999); see GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1359, n.2 (citing StoreWALL, 644 F.3d at
1365–67 (Dyk, J., concurring)). Nothing indicates that an object must be considered a
17
If the court determines that the intended use is of paramount importance, the use should be
considered along with the physical characteristics as part of the definition of the tariff term. GRK
II, 761 F.3d at 1358–61; United States v. Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA 70, 73–74 (1959); see also
StoreWALL, LLC, 644 F.3d at 1365–67 (Dyk, J., concurring) (discussing Processed Plastic, 473
F.3d at 1169–70).
18
A tariff provision is one controlled by use when the definition of the term turns on its use, such
that the language in the tariff term (or the Section or Chapter Notes) indicates that the use of
covered articles is more important than any physical characteristics. Primal Lite, Inc. v. United
States, 182 F.3d 1362, 1363–64 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (finding strands of electric lights with certain
decorative plastic covers not classifiable in a subheading for “lighting sets of a kind used for
Christmas trees,” because use in connection with Christmas trees must be the predominant or
principal use of goods classifiable within that subheading, and commercially fungible goods were
predominantly used for decorating not associated with the Christmas holidays or Christmas
trees.).
19
The pertinent provision of the Explanatory Notes states that the heading covers tools including
“Hand operated spanners and wrenches (e.g., with fixed or adjustable jaws; socket, box or ratchet
spanners; crank handle spanners).” Explanatory Notes Chapter 82, 82.04.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 15
wrench if it can be used to wrench or turn a fastener. Therefore, as a matter of law, the
tariff term for “wrenches” is an eo nomine term, not one controlled by use.
This court must also consider whether use is of “paramount importance.” See GRK
II, 761 F.3d at 1358–59 (quoting Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at 73). To say that use is of
paramount importance is not to say that a product has a use. All products have uses.
Indeed the physical characteristics of a product will normally reflect the fact that a product
has been designed for a use. Therefore, the court may need to explore the design and
intended use of the article conveyed by a tariff term to identify the requisite physical
characteristics and exclude articles with overlapping physical characteristics that are
nonetheless designed and intended for other uses. See Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at
73–74 (finding that woven rattan imports were not baskets because they were designed
for use as patio furniture). 20 Although design and intended use is implicated in all tariff
terms, it will only be of paramount importance when, as a factual matter, a product that
satisfies the physical requirements of a tariff term is in fact designed and intended for
another use. See id. A wrench is designed for turning fasteners without damaging the
fastener’s head. A wrench must possess certain physical characteristics (a frame with a
singular handle; a head with jaws or sockets having surfaces that snugly or exactly fit and
20 In Quon Quon, the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals construed the tariff term “baskets” to
imply a use for carrying or containing objects, thus excluding woven rattan imports designed for
use as table tops. Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at 73–74. The court did not discuss the proper use
of products actually covered by the “baskets” provision, instead focusing on the fact that the
imported products at issue were used as patio furniture to determine that the imports were not
classifiable as baskets. Implicit in this analysis is an understanding of “baskets” to be used for
something other than as patio furniture. Id.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 16
engage the head of a fastener) that are a function of the intended use of a wrench to exert
pressure on the fastener to turn it without damaging the fastener’s head. 21
Based on the foregoing, the court finds as a matter of law that a wrench is a hand
tool that has a head with jaws or sockets having surfaces adapted to snugly or exactly fit
and engage the head of a fastener (such as a bolt-head or nut) and a singular handle22
with which to leverage hand pressure to turn the fastener without damaging the fastener’s
head.
B. The Meaning of the Tariff Term “Pliers”
The court discerns the common and commercial meaning of “pliers” as it appears
in subheading 8203.20.6030, HTSUS, aided by dictionary definitions and industry
standards. The court has also considered whether use is implicated by the tariff term.
As discussed below, the term “pliers” refers to a versatile hand tool with two handles and
two jaws that are flat or serrated and are on a pivot, which must be squeezed together to
enable the tool to grasp an object.
Subheading 8203.20.6030, HTSUS, provides as follows:
Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting
shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar hand
tools, and base metal parts thereof: Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers,
tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof: Other (except parts): Pliers.
21 Use would be of paramount importance in a classification involving the tariff term for “wrench”
if, as a factual matter, at issue was an article possessing the requisite physical characteristics of
a wrench and an intended use departing from the intended use implicit in the design of a wrench.
See Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at 73–74.
22
Defendant emphasizes that this Court previously determined that a wrench does not
necessarily have only one handle. Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J. 13–15, Feb. 21,
2017, ECF No. 47 (citing Assoc. Consumers, 565 F. Supp. at 1045 (finding that the “presence of
two handles is not inconsistent with classification as wrenches” under the TSUS). As previously
discussed, Assoc. Consumers is not binding on this court. Further, this court has surveyed current
definitions and industry standards which instruct that a wrench has a singular handle.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 17
Subheading 8203.20.6030, HTSUS. 23 Dictionary definitions aid the court in discerning
the common and commercial meaning of pliers. Plaintiff offers the following definition for
“pliers”: “a small instrument with two handles and two grasping jaws, usually long and
roughened, working on a pivot; used for holding small objects and cutting, bending, and
shaping wire.” 24 Pl.’s Resp. 42 (quoting McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and
Technical Terms 1618 (McGraw-Hill 6th ed. 2003)). The court has also consulted various
additional dictionaries which provide similar definitions for pliers to the definition offered
by Plaintiff. See, e.g., The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1349
(Houghton Mifflin Co. 4th ed. 2000) (Pliers: A variously shaped hand tool having a pair of
pivoted jaws, used for holding, bending, or cutting.); Pliers, Oxford English Dictionary,
oed.com, http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/145833?redirectedFrom=pliers#eid (last visited
Apr. 7, 2017) (Pliers: Pinchers with gripping jaws, usually having serrated surfaces which
23
The Explanatory Notes provide:
(B) Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, including:
(1) Pliers (e.g., seal closers and pliers, sheep ear and other animal marking
pliers, gas pipe pliers, pliers for inserting or extracting cotter pins, eyelet
and eyelet closing pliers; plier type saw sets).
Explanatory Notes Chapter 82, 82.03.
24
Although Defendant did not proffer a definition of the term “pliers,” Defendant claims in its
Statement of Facts as a fact that “A plier is ‘a hand tool that grips objects by means of an input
force [that] is applied by hand’ and the operator’s hand ‘force is transmitted to the [gripped]
object.’” Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 4 (citing Deposition testimony of Brett Lucus, the principal design
engineer at Irwin Tools, of June 14, 2016 (Def.’s Br. Ex. 2)). Plaintiff denies that this information
is factual and points out that the deponent offering the definition was not qualified as an expert.
Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 4 (citing Lucus Deposition (Def.’s Br. Ex. 2)).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 18
close flat, used for bending or cutting wire, gripping or turning small objects, etc.). 25 The
definitions center around two long, often-serrated jaws on a pivot which close together to
grasp an object.
Industry sources and standards confirm the characteristics of pliers emphasized in
the dictionary definitions. The Guide to Hand Tools provides that “[t]here are many types
and sizes; each designed for specific uses, although their versatility makes some pliers
adaptable for many jobs.” Guide to Hand Tools: Selection, Safety Tips, Proper Use and
Care 2-1 (Hand Tools Institute 4th ed. 2007). ASME provides standards for many types
of pliers, specifying the general and distinguishing physical characteristics of each. 26
Pliers, B107.500-2010 (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2010). For all
types of pliers, ASME instructs that plier handles “shall be shaped as to afford a
comfortable grip, and shall be free from rough edges and sharp corners” and specifies
25
See also Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 1741 (Philip Babcock, Ph.D. and
Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff eds., 1993) (Pliers: A small pincers usu. with long roughened
jaws for holding small objects or for bending and cutting wire — often used with pair); 11 The
Oxford English Dictionary 1050 (J.A. Simpson and E.S.C. Weiner eds., 2nd ed. 1989) (Pliers:
Pincers, usually small, having long jaws mostly with parallel surfaces, sometimes toothed; used
for bending wire, manipulating small objects, etc.); Howard H. Gerrish, Gerrish’s Technical
Dictionary 257 (The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 1976) (Pliers (metal): A pincer like tool for holding
small objects. They are manufactured in a large variety of shapes, types and sizes for special
purposes. Some have cutting edges.); Pliers, Merriam-Webster.com, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/pliers (last visited Apr. 7, 2017) (Pliers: a small pincers for holding small
objects or for bending and cutting wire.).
26
Specifically, the ASME standards on pliers include specifications for: diagonal cutting and end
cutting pliers (ASME B107.11); long nose, long reach pliers (ASME B107.13); metal cutting
sheers (ASME B107.16); wire twister pliers (ASME B107.18); retaining ring pliers (ASME
B107.19); lineman’s, iron worker’s, gas, glass, fence, and battery pliers (ASME B107.20);
electronic cutters and pliers (ASME B107.22); multiple position, adjustable pliers, including
adjustable joint, angle nose pliers, including those with straight, serrated jaws; curved, serrated
jaws; parrot nose jaws; and straight, smooth jaws; as well as slip joint, combination jaw pliers with
straight or bent nose pliers (ASME B107.23); and locking, clamp, and tubing pinch-off pliers
(ASME B107.24). See Pliers, B107.500-2010 (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
2010).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 19
that “[h]andle surfaces shall be smooth, knurled, impressed, or furnished with comfort
grips.” See, e.g., ASME B107.23, Pliers: Multiple Position, Adjustable, at 95. Further,
the standards for several types of pliers emphasize the existence of a permanent fastener
connecting the handles of the pliers. See, i.e., id. at 95 (“Pliers’ halves shall be joined in
a permanent manner using a fastener, rivet, or other suitable means.”); ASME B107.11,
Pliers: Diagonal Cutting and End Cutting, at 3 (“There shall be no excessive sideways
movement, play, or other indication of looseness when pliers are opened or closed that
will affect their function.”); ASME B107.20, Pliers: Lineman’s, Iron Worker’s, Gas, Glass,
Fence, and Battery, at 64 (“Pliers shall be joined in a permanent manner with a fastener.
The joint shall ensure uniform smooth movement with minimum looseness and sideplay
when opening the jaw.”). 27
27
ASME also provides industry standards for locking pliers. See Pliers, B107.500-2010 (B107.24)
(The American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2010). Defendant contends that the ASME
standards for locking pliers are not helpful guidance in this instance, Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s
Mot. Summ. J. 16–17, Feb. 21, 2017, ECF No. 47 (“The fact that a tool once primarily known as
a ‘wrench’ is now described by ASME as a ‘locking plier’ should not change how the Court
analyzes this tool for classification purposes.”), and contends that the court should look only to
the ASME standards on conventional pliers. Def.’s Mot. 23. ASME does not mirror the HTSUS,
and is a reactive document, developed and revised based on industry needs. See About ASME
Standards and Certification, ASME, https://www.asme.org/about-asme/standards (last visited
Apr. 7, 2017) (“The ASME standards are created by volunteers in the industry with relevant
technical expertise . . . . ASME develops and revises standards based on market needs through
a consensus process”); Rocknel Fastener, Inc. v. United States, 267 F.3d 1354, 1361 (Fed. Cir.
2001). The HTSUS does not mention locking pliers. Nonetheless, ASME provides standards on
all types of pliers and the standards for locking pliers are included within the general section on
pliers. See Pliers, B107.500-2010 (B107.24). The court may rely on industry standards to guide
in the definition of tariff terms. Rocknel Fastener, Inc. at 1361 (“Standards promulgated by
industry groups such as ANSI, ASME, and others are often used to define tariff terms. . .”). ASME
instructs that locking pliers
(footnote continued)
Court No. 14-00285 Page 20
There is no indication that the tariff term for pliers is controlled by use. See GRK
II, 761 F.3d at 1358–59 (quoting Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195 F.3d at 1379). The words “use,”
“for,” or other words or phrases that imply use do not appear in the provision to indicate
that covered tools must be put to a certain use. Clarendon Mktg., Inc. v. United States,
144 F.3d at 1467. Furthermore, nothing in the term itself, including the Section and
Chapter Notes or the Explanatory Notes, indicates that, as a matter of law, the use of an
article classified under the provision would outweigh the importance of the physical
characteristics of the article. 28 See Primal Lite, Inc., 182 F.3d at 1363–64; GRK II, 761
F.3d at 1359, n.2. Therefore, as a matter of law, the tariff term for pliers is an eo nomine
term, not one controlled by use.
As discussed above, although design and intended use is implicated in all tariff
terms, use will only be of paramount importance when, as a factual matter, a product that
satisfies the physical requirements of a tariff term is designed and intended for another
use. See id. at 1358–59 (quoting Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at 73–74). Pliers possess
shall have straight, curved, long nose, or bent nose jaws. . . . Pliers shall have one
fixed jaw and one adjustable jaw. The jaws shall be integral with or securely fixed
to the pliers. There shall be no motion of the gripping surface of either jaw other
than that produced by manual operation of the pliers. The design of the toggle or
cam mechanism shall be such that when the movable handle is released from the
closed and locked position, the jaw tips shall move apart to the full open position.
ASME B107.500-2010 (B107.24). The standards specify that “[t]here shall be no motion of the
gripping surface of either jaw other than that produced by manual operation of the pliers,” and
that locking “[p]liers shall be provided with a toggle or cam device having an adjustable
mechanism designed so that the jaws can be clamped and locked.” Id.
28
The pertinent provision of the Explanatory Notes states that the heading covers tools including
“Pliers (e.g., seal closers and pliers, sheep ear and other animal marking pliers, gas pipe pliers,
pliers for inserting or extracting cotter pins, eyelet and eyelet closing pliers; plier type saw sets).”
Explanatory Notes Chapter 82, 82.03.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 21
certain physical characteristics (two handles that can be squeezed together; two jaws that
are flat or serrated and on a pivot, which may be locked or continuously gripped together
to hold the object while using the tool) that are a function of their design and intended use
to grasp an object.
The court finds as a matter of law that the common and commercial meaning of
“pliers” refers to a versatile hand tool with two handles and two jaws that are flat or
serrated and are on a pivot, which must be squeezed together to enable the tool to grasp
an object; the jaws may, or may not, lock together to hold the object while using the tool.
C. The Meaning of the Tariff Terms “Vises, Clamps and the Like”
The term “vises, clamps and the like” refers to tools with a frame and two opposing
jaws, at least one of which is adjustable, which are tightened together with a screw, lever,
or thumbnut, to press firmly on an object and thereby hold the object securely in place
while the user is working. Plaintiff’s proposed alternative, subheading 8205.70.0060,
HTSUS, provides:
Hand tools (including glass cutters) not elsewhere specified or included;
blow torches and similar self-contained torches; vises, clamps and the like,
other than accessories for and parts of machine tools; anvils; portable
forges; hand- or pedal- operated grinding wheels with frameworks; base
metal parts thereof: Vises, clamps and the like, and parts thereof: Vises:
Other.
Subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS, dutiable at 5 percent. 29
29
In contending that its subject merchandise is alternatively classifiable within subheading
8205.70.0060, HTSUS, Plaintiff describes this subheading as “Vises, clamps and the like, and
parts thereof: Other,” and throughout its brief Plaintiff contends that this alternative is suitable
because Plaintiff’s merchandise possesses certain characteristics of vises and clamps,
(footnote continued)
Court No. 14-00285 Page 22
Defendant and Plaintiff supplied the same definition for “vise,” See Pl.’s Resp. 51
(citing McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms 2263 (McGraw-Hill 6th
ed. 2003)); Def.’s Br. 26 (citing McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
1588 (Daniel N. Lapedes ed., 1st ed. 1974)) (Vise: a tool consisting of two jaws for holding
a workpiece; opened and closed by a screw, lever, or cam mechanism.), and essentially
the same definition for “clamp.” See Pl.’s Resp. 51 (citing McGraw-Hill Dictionary of
Scientific and Technical Terms 401 (McGraw-Hill 6th ed. 2003) (Clamp: a tool for binding
or pressing two or more parts together, by holding them firmly in their relative positions.));
Def.’s Br. 25–26 (citing McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms 274
(Daniel N. Lapedes ed., 1st ed. 1974) (Clamp: a tool for binding or pressing two or more
parts together, holding them firmly in their relative position.)). The court has consulted
several additional dictionaries which provide similar definitions for vises and clamps to
those offered by the parties. See, e.g., The American Heritage Dictionary of the English
Language 1923 (Houghton Mifflin Co. 4th ed. 2000) (Vise: a clamping device, usually
consisting of two jaws closed or opened by a screw or lever, used in carpentry or
metalworking to hold a piece in position); The American Heritage Dictionary 341
(Houghton Mifflin Co. 4th ed. 2000) (Clamp: 1: any of various devices used to join, grip,
support, or compress mechanical or structural parts; 2: any of various tools with opposing,
emphasizing the clamping qualities of Plaintiff’s tools. See, e.g., Pl.’s Resp. 21–23. However,
subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS, is specific to vises: “Vises, clamps and the like, and parts
thereof: Vises: Other.” Subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS.
It is unclear to the court whether Plaintiff argues: that its merchandise is vises, classifiable
under subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS; that its merchandise is “clamps and the like,”
classifiable under 8205.70.0090 (“Vises, clamps and the like, and parts thereof: Other (including
parts))”; or that its merchandise is either vises or clamps, and thus classifiable under either
subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS, or 8205.70.0090, HTSUS.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 23
often adjustable sides or parts for bracing objects or holding them together.). 30 Further,
the Guide to Hand Tools provides that vises are usually mounted on “firm support, to hold
the material to be worked on,” noting that vises “can be used for a wide variety of work.”
Guide to Hand Tools: Selection, Safety Tips, Proper Use and Care 7-1 (Hand Tools
Institute 4th ed. 2007). The Guide to Hand Tools elaborates upon various types of vises,
most of which are secured to a bench or table top for use but some, such as the hand
vise, are not. See id. at 7-1–7-6. The Guide to Hand Tools describes clamps as “tools
that are used for temporarily holding work securely in place,” and elaborates upon various
types of clamps, most of which are comprised of a frame and a screw which is tightened
on an object held between the two sides of the frame. Id. at 8-1–8-4. 31 The definitions
for both vises and clamps center on a frame or brace with two sides that are tightened
together, usually using a screw, on an object to hold it firmly in place.
There is no indication that the tariff term for vises and clamps, subheading
8205.70.0060, HTSUS, is controlled by use. See GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1358–59 (quoting
30
See also Vise, Merriam-Webster.com, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vise (last
visited Apr. 7, 2017) (Vise: 1: any of various tools with two jaws for holding work that close usually
by a screw, lever, or cam.); Clamp, Merriam-Webster.com, https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/clamp (last visited Apr. 7, 2017) (Clamp: 1: a device designed to bind or
constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly; 2: any of various
instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something.);
2 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary 3526 (Oxford University Press 6th ed. 2007) (Vice: 3: a device
consisting of two jaws moved by turning a screw, used to clamp an object being filed, sawn, etc.,
in position and freq. attached to a workbench.); 1 Shorter Oxford English Dictionary 421 (Oxford
University Press 6th ed. 2007) (Clamp: a brace, clasp, or band, usu. of rigid material, used for
strengthening or fastening things together; . . . [a]n appliance or tool with parts which may be
brought together by a screw etc. for holding or compressing.); Howard H. Gerrish, Gerrish’s
Technical Dictionary 78, 168 (The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 1976) (Hand vise (metal): a
clamping device for holding small objects in the hand while working on them; Clamp (metal): a
slotted metal strap, used for holding work during machining.).
31
The parties did not provide an ASME industry standard for either vises or clamps, and the court
has been unable to locate such a standard.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 24
Carl Zeiss, Inc., 195 F.3d at 1379). The words “use,” “for,” or other words that imply a
certain use do not appear in the provision to indicate that covered tools must be put to a
certain use. See BASF Corp. v. United States, 30 CIT at 245, 427 F. Supp. 2d at 1216;
Clarendon Mktg., Inc., 144 F.3d at 1467. The Explanatory Notes provide that subheading
8205.70.0060, HTSUS, covers “Vi[s]es, clamps and the like, including hand vi[s]es, pin
vi[s]es, bench or table vi[s]es, for joiners or carpenters, locksmiths, gunsmiths,
watchmakers, etc.” Explanatory Notes Chapter 82, 82.05. Although the phrase mentions
the provision covers tools “for” certain craftsmen, the description does not indicate an
intended limitation of the use of the product. See BASF Corp. v. United States, 30 CIT at
245, 427 F. Supp. 2d at 1216. Nothing in the language of the provision itself, including
the Section and Chapter Notes or the Explanatory Notes, indicates that, as a matter of
law, the use of articles classified under the provision would outweigh the importance of
the physical characteristics of the item. See Primal Lite, Inc, 182 F.3d 1363–64; GRK II,
761 F.3d at 1359, n.2. Therefore, as a matter of law, subheading 8205.70.0060, HTSUS,
covering “vises, clamps and the like” is an eo nomine term, not one controlled by use.
Vises and clamps are designed to close tightly on an object to hold the object in
place. This intended use is reflected in the articles’ physical features, consisting of a
frame with two opposing jaws that tighten securely together with a screw or nut. See id.
(citing Quon Quon Co., 46 CCPA at 73–74).
The court finds as a matter of law that the common and commercial meaning of
the tariff term for “vises, clamps and the like” is a tool composed of a frame and two
opposing jaws, at least one of which is adjustable, which are tightened together usually
Court No. 14-00285 Page 25
with a screw, lever, or thumbnut, to press firmly on an object and hold the object securely
in place while the user is working.
II. Defendant Is Not Entitled to Summary Judgment
Defendant has not established undisputed facts showing that the subject
merchandise possesses the qualities of a wrench. 32 Specifically, Defendant has not
established that Plaintiff’s tools have a head with jaws having surfaces adapted to snugly
or exactly fit and engage the head of a fastener (such as a bolt-head or nut). Defendant
has not established that Plaintiff’s tools have a singular handle 33 with which to exert
pressure to turn a fastener without damaging the fastener’s head.
32
Despite moving for summary judgment, Defendant has denied information sufficient to form a
belief with respect to many factual assertions in Plaintiff’s complaint that relate to the physical
attributes of the products in question. See, e.g., Am. Compl. ¶ 21 (“The jaws of the subject
merchandise are connected by a joint.”); Def.’s Answer ¶ 21 (“Denies for lack of information or
knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to what plaintiff means by ‘[t]he jaws . . . are connected
by a joint.’”); Am. Compl. ¶ 22 (“The subject merchandise includes a spring mechanism.”); Def.’s
Answer ¶ 22 (“Denies for lack of information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to what
plaintiff means by ‘spring mechanism.’”); Am. Compl. ¶ 23 (“The subject merchandise does not
have a jaw opening adjustment mechanism.”); Def.’s Answer ¶ 23 (“Denies for lack of information
or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to what plaintiff means by a ‘jaw opening adjustment
mechanism.’”); Am. Compl. ¶ 24 (“The subject merchandise does not have an adjusting
mechanism that allows a movable jaw to be positioned at various points in a range.”); Def.’s
Answer ¶ 24 (“Denies for lack of information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to what
plaintiff means by an ‘adjusting mechanism that allows a movable jaw to be positioned at various
points in a range.’”); Am. Compl. ¶ 25 (“The subject merchandise does not have a fixed frame.”);
Def.’s Answer ¶ 25 (“Denies for lack of information or knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to
what plaintiff means by a ‘fixed frame.’”)
Moreover, Defendant’s Rule 56.3 Statement of Material Facts asserts very little by way of
describing the physical attributes of the subject merchandise, instead including statements that
amount to legal argument. See, e.g., Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶¶ 3 (“Since at least 1983, CBP has
classified vise grips as wrenches”), 4 (“A plier is ‘a hand tool that grips objects by means of an
input force [that] is applied by hand’ and the operator’s hand force is transmitted to the [gripped]
object,’” quoting the deposition testimony of Plaintiff’s principal design engineer (Lucus
Deposition, Def.’s Br. Ex. 2)).
33
Defendant cites the deposition testimony of Plaintiff’s affiant Mr. Lucus to suggest that Plaintiff
(footnote continued)
Court No. 14-00285 Page 26
Defendant’s entire argument rests upon its reliance on Assoc. Consumers v.
United States, 5 CIT 148, 565 F. Supp. 1044 (1983), in which the court determined that
merchandise described as “vise grips” was properly classified as wrenches. See Def.’s
Br. 12–21; Assoc. Consumers v. United States, 5 CIT 148, 565 F. Supp. 1044 (1983). 34
However, Assoc. Consumers is a case interpreting the TSUS, a different statute which
was replaced by the HTSUS in 1989. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has
held that the Court’s prior determination of a common meaning of a term, based on an
interpretation of a tariff provision under the TSUS, is not controlling as to a determination
under the HTSUS. JVC Co. of Am., Div. of US JVC Corp. v. United States, 234 F.3d
1348, 1354–55 (Fed. Cir. 2000); see Mitsubishi Int'l Corp. v. United States, 182 F.3d 884,
886 (Fed. Cir. 1999).
has admitted that its tools have only one handle. Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J.
13–14, Feb. 21, 2017, ECF No. 47. In his deposition, Mr. Lucus referred to one model of the tools
as having “one top handle and a bottom lever.” See id., quoting Lucus Deposition (Def.’s Br. Ex.
2). Plaintiff emphasizes that Mr. Lucus was not qualified as an expert. Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3
Statement ¶ 4. The court has inspected Plaintiff’s physical samples which are admissible for the
purposes of summary judgment and finds Defendant has not established that the styles of tools
at issue have only one handle. See Pl.’s Cert. of Filing and Service of Physical Exhibit or Item,
Jan. 3, 2017, ECF No. 40 (providing photographs of each of the physical samples submitted).
34
The opinion itself is fewer than 700 words the pertinent part of the court’s analysis provides “In
making its determination of common meaning, the court has reviewed the case law, examined
dictionaries and evaluated the testimony of the witnesses. See Schott Optical Glass, Inc. v.
United States, 67 CCPA 32, C.A.D. 1239, 612 F.2d 1283 (1979). This case is not binding on the
court, and the fact that it interpreted a different statute relying upon lexicographic sources from
over 50 years ago serves to diminish its persuasive authority. Defendant correctly notes that the
decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, but the Federal Circuit
affirmed without opinion and the affirmance is therefore nonprecedential pursuant to Federal
Circuit Local Rule 32.1(d). See Fed. Cir. Local R. 32.1(d) (nonprecedential decisions by the
Federal Circuit do not have the effect of non-binding precedent); see also Federal Rule of Civil
Procedure 32.1 (“A court may not prohibit or restrict the citation of federal judicial opinions, orders,
judgments, or other written dispositions that have been: (i) designated as . . . ‘non-precedential,’
‘not precedent,’ or the like; and (ii) issued on or after January 1, 2007.”). “It is error to assume
that a nonprecedential order or opinion provides support for a particular position or reflects a new
or changed view held by this court.” Hamilton v. Brown, 39 F.3d 1574, 1581 (Fed. Cir. 1994).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 27
Defendant cites GRK II to support its argument that heading 8204, HTSUS, the
tariff provision for wrenches, “inherently suggests the use of wrenching” such that
Plaintiff’s merchandise is properly classified within the term because the tools “are
designed to be used to wrench.” Def.’s Br. 23; see Mem. L. Further Supp. Def.’s Mot.
Summ. J. 7–8, Feb. 21, 2017, ECF No. 47 (“Def.’s Reply”). It is not clear whether
Defendant is arguing that the term “wrench” makes the provision controlled by use or that
the mere use of a product to perform a task of a wrench makes a product a wrench. See
Def.’s Br. 23; Def.’s Reply 7–8. Nonetheless, Defendant’s argument misunderstands
GRK II. A tariff provision is not one controlled by use per GRK II simply because the
definition of the covered article may reference the article’s use. GRK II faulted the Court
of International Trade for failing to consider whether the tariff provision for “wood screws”
suggested either a provision controlled by use or one where use was of paramount
importance. 35 GRK II, 761 F.3d at 1358–61. Here, there is no indication in the tariff
provision that “wrenches” is controlled by use. Nor is paramount use as envisioned by
GRK II implicated here.
Defendant also fails to establish as a matter of law that the subject merchandise
is not pliers or vises, clamps or the like. Pliers are a hand tool with two handles and two
flat or serrated jaws on a pivot, which are squeezed together with the handles to enable
the tool to grasp an object. Vises, clamps and the like are tools with a frame or brace and
35 But as the Court’s citation to StoreWALL makes clear, merely acknowledging that the Court
should consider whether use is implicated is not the same as determining that a provision is
controlled by use. See also StoreWALL v. United States, 644 F.3d 1358, 1365–66 (Fed. Cir.
2011) (Dyk, J., concurring) (explaining that a tariff provision that does not include the language
“used for” may still be controlled by use if the provision turns on use.).
Court No. 14-00285 Page 28
two opposing jaws, at least one of which is adjustable, which are tightened together with
a screw, lever, or thumbnut, to press firmly on an object and hold the object securely in
place while working. Although Plaintiff has not moved for summary judgment and very
few facts are undisputed, 36 the court has examined Plaintiff’s physical samples of the
subject merchandise and, for purposes of summary judgment, the court deems these
samples admissible. 37 See Pl.’s Cert. of Filing and Service of Physical Exhibit or Item,
Jan. 3, 2017, ECF No. 40 (providing photographs of each of the physical samples
submitted). Upon inspection of the samples, the court determines that the tools may fit
within the tariff subheadings 8203.20.6030 or 8203.20.6060, HTSUS, for “Pliers,” or
8205.70.0060 or 8205.70.0090, HTSUS, for “Vises, clamps and the like.” The court need
36
Plaintiff has not moved for summary judgment to determine “whether the government’s
classification is correct, both independently and in comparison with the importer’s alternative.”
Jarvis Clark Co. v. United States, 733 F.2d 873, 878 (Fed. Cir. 1984). Nonetheless, the Plaintiff
counters against the Defendant’s motion by arguing that, not only is the classification for wrench
inapposite, but that other classifications are correct.
37
Plaintiff provided ten physical samples of its merchandise, see Pl.’s Cert. of Filing and Service
of Physical Exhibit or Item, Jan. 3, 2017, ECF No. 40, including a sample of each of the four styles
of tools at issue (i.e., large jaw locking pliers, curved jaw locking pliers, long nose locking pliers
with wire cutter, and curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter). See, e.g., Physical Samples 1, 5,
9, 10.
The subject merchandise appears to include many models of tools within these four styles
although the exact number of models is not clear from the documents submitted by the parties.
See Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 15; Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 15. Nine of the ten physical
samples have model numbers which the parties agree are covered by the protests. See Def.’s
56.3 Statement ¶ 15; Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 15. Defendant alleges that Plaintiff
incorrectly avers that models of its “multi-tool” are at issue in this case; Defendant also takes issue
with Plaintiff’s inclusion of Physical Sample 7, a multi-tool, arguing that “Irwin Tools failed to
identify the multi-tool either by name or by part number in its protests, summons or complaint,”
and that the court accordingly “lacks subject matter jurisdiction over any claim that plaintiff may
raise in this case regarding the multi-tool under § 1581(a).” Def.’s Br. 3, n.2. Plaintiff’s Physical
Sample 7 appears to have a stock keeping unit number (SKU # 4935579) that Plaintiff states is
included in the protests. See Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s 56.3 Statement ¶ 15; Pl.’s Resp. 81.
Court No. 14-00285 Page 29
not reach that issue as all that is before the court is the Defendant’s motion, which is
denied.
CONCLUSION
The Defendant has failed to show that undisputed facts support summary
judgment in its favor. Although the court has determined that the relevant tariff terms are
defined in a manner that would suggest that the subject merchandise is classifiable within
one of the Plaintiff’s preferred terms, the Plaintiff has neither moved for summary
judgment pursuant to USCIT Rule 56 nor filed a statement of material facts as to which
there are no genuine issues to be tried pursuant to USCIT Rule 56.3. Accordingly,
pursuant to USCIT Rules 1 and 56(b), the court will grant leave to the Plaintiff to file a
motion for summary judgment, and corresponding statement of material facts as to which
there are no genuine issues to be tried, out of time, should the Plaintiff wish to do so.
In accordance with the foregoing, it is hereby
ORDERED that Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is denied; and it is
further
ORDERED that Plaintiff shall inform the court in writing within 7 days whether it
intends to move for summary judgment; and it is further
ORDERED that:
1) If Plaintiff intends to move for summary judgment, Plaintiff shall so move on
or before 21 days from the date Plaintiff notifies the court of its intention to
so move; or
Court No. 14-00285 Page 30
2) If Plaintiff does not intend to move for summary judgment, the parties shall
consult and file an order for further proceedings in this matter on or before
21 days from the date Plaintiff notifies the court of its intention not to move
for summary judgment.
/s/ Claire R. Kelly
Claire R. Kelly, Judge
Dated: April 12, 2017
New York, New York