Interpretation of the Word Uniforms for the Purpose of Classification Number 5112.19.00.10Memorandum D10-15-25

Ottawa, June 24, 2014 This document is also available inPDF (137KB)[help with PDF files] This memorandum has been updated to reflect changes to theCustoms Tarifflegislation. The editing revisions made in this memorandum do not affect or change any of the existing policies or procedures. This memorandum explains the policy of the Canada Border Services Agency with regard to the interpretation of the word "uniforms" as found in the end-use provision "For use in the manufacture of apparel, other than uniforms designed to identify members of a specific group" for the purposes of classification number 5112.19.00.10.

Customs Tariff Tariff ItemDescription of Goods51.12Woven fabrics of combed wool or of combed fine animal hair.- Containing 85% or more by weight of wool or of fine animal hair:5112.11- - Of a weight not exceeding 200 g/m25112.19- - Other5112.19.00.10- - - - - For use in the manufacture of apparel, other than uniforms designed to identify members of a specific group5112.19.00.90- - - - - Other

1. This memorandum affects woven fabrics of combed wool or of combed fine animal hair, containing 85% or more by weight of wool or of fine animal hair, of a weight exceeding 200 g/m2. 2. Uniforms, and the fabric from which they are made, are generally subject to abusive wear. Accordingly, the durability of the fabric from which they are made is a more important attribute than fashion appearance. Fabrics used for uniforms usually meet specific performance specifications. 3. The term "specific group" includes a broad range of organizations throughout the private and public sectors. Such groups may be found within corporations, armed forces, religious institutions, schools, professions, occupations, sport teams, public service departments or agencies and other organizations. 4. The use of uniforms by these types of organizations is often an effort in branding and developing a standard image. A uniform is identifiable by homogeneous fabrics, designs and colours, and not simply by a common logo. 5. Uniform clothing includes upper garments, such as jerseys, coats and jackets; lower garments, such as pants, skirts and shorts; or full body garments, such as coveralls and dresses. Uniforms do not include accessories, such as gloves, mittens, hats, socks, scarves, ties and/or belts. 6. Corporate and occupational uniforms include apparel chosen by an employer to be worn exclusively by its employees during working hours. 7. Sports uniforms include a set of standard clothing worn by members of an athletic organization while participating in that organization's activity. For example, official hockey jerseys worn by team members during a hockey game are included. 8. Goods that do not qualify under classification number5112.19.00.10include fabrics for jackets and other paraphernalia worn, for example, by the general public, a fan base of a sports team, and the coaching or training staff.

9. For the administration of these end-use tariff items, the importer must be able to prove that the imported fabrics are not for use in the production or manufacture of uniforms.

10. Some examples of uniforms are contained in the attached appendix. This list is not exhaustive.

11. For certainty regarding the tariff classification of a product, importers may request an advance ruling. Details on how to make such a request are found in CBSAMemorandum D11-11-3,Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification. 12. For more information, call contact theCBSABorder Information Service(BIS):Calls within Canada & the United States (toll free):1-800-461-9999Calls outside Canada & the United States (long distance charges apply):1-204-983-3550 or 1-506-636-5064 TTY:1-866-335-3237 Contact Us online(webform)Contact Usat the CBSA website

GroupExamples of uniforms worn by:CorporationsAirline employeesRepair personnelCouriersArmed ForcesMilitary personnel  (e.g., battle fatigues or dress uniforms)Religious InstitutionsClergySchoolStudents of a private schoolOrganizationRed Cross workersBoy ScoutsGirl GuidesOccupationAluminium foundry workersNursesRefereesDoctorsSports TeamRegistered members of sports organizations  (e.g., official jerseys worn by members of NHL Teams)Public ServicePostal workersBorder services officersCorrectional InstitutionsInmates in prisonsPrison guardsEmergency ServicesParamedicsFirefightersHospitality IndustryRestaurant employeesHotel employeesMuseum employeesPolicingPolice officersSecurity guards