8704.32.01.20 - G.V.W. exceeding 9 metric tons but not exceeding 12 metric tons

This HTS classification, 8704.32.01.20, specifically covers motor vehicles designed for the transport of goods, which are powered by a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine. The defining characteristic for inclusion in this category is the Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.) of the vehicle, which must be greater than 9 metric tons but not exceed 12 metric tons. These vehicles are typically robust trucks or chassis designed for carrying substantial loads.

To properly classify a vehicle under this code, it's crucial to distinguish it from its sibling categories. For instance, sibling 8704.32.01.10 applies to vehicles with a G.V.W. between 5 and 9 metric tons, while 8704.32.01.30 covers those exceeding 12 metric tons up to 15 metric tons. The exact G.V.W. is the sole criterion for differentiating these closely related categories.

As this HTS code is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification decisions at this level rely entirely on accurately determining the G.V.W. of the vehicle in question and confirming it is equipped with a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, aligning with the broader category of "Other, with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine: G.V.W. exceeding 5 metric tons."