8704.22.11 - Cab chassis

This HTS category, 8704.22.11, specifically classifies **cab chassis** designed for the transport of goods. A cab chassis refers to a base vehicle structure that includes the driver's cabin and the chassis frame, but without a pre-installed cargo body or other specialized superstructure. These are essentially incomplete vehicles intended to be customized with a specific type of body, such as a flatbed, box van, or dump body, by a subsequent manufacturer or end-user. The defining characteristics for this classification are its internal combustion compression-ignition engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and its gross vehicle weight (G.V.W.) falling between 5 and 20 metric tons.

This classification is distinct from its sibling category, 8704.22.51, which covers "Other" motor vehicles for the transport of goods within the same engine and G.V.W. parameters. While 8704.22.11 is narrowly defined to *cab chassis* awaiting further bodywork, the sibling category would encompass all other types of goods-carrying vehicles that do not fit the specific definition of a cab chassis, but still meet the engine and weight requirements. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff application, ensuring that only vehicles in their pre-bodywork stage are classified here.

The subcategories within 8704.22.11 further refine the classification based on precise G.V.W. ranges. These subdivisions—8704.22.11.20 (exceeding 5 but not exceeding 9 metric tons), 8704.22.11.40 (exceeding 9 but not exceeding 12 metric tons), 8704.22.11.60 (exceeding 12 but not exceeding 15 metric tons), and 8704.22.11.80 (exceeding 15 but not exceeding 20 metric tons)—allow for granular reporting and analysis of different weight classes of cab chassis. This breakdown is important for trade statistics and potential regulatory or tax implications that may vary based on the vehicle's carrying capacity.