Under GRI 2(a), an incomplete or unassembled article is classified as the complete article if it has the essential character of the finished good. A crane imported in sections with all major structural and mechanical components present would generally be classified as a complete overhead traveling crane under 8426110000 rather than as parts. However, if only structural steelwork or individual components are imported without the hoisting mechanism, parts classification under heading 8431 may be more appropriate. A binding ruling from CBP is advisable for large, multi-shipment crane projects.

842611 covers cranes that travel on a fixed elevated runway permanently attached to a building structure — the classic 'top-running' or 'underhung' bridge crane. Gantry cranes, which are self-supporting on legs running on floor-level rails rather than a building-mounted runway, fall under 842619. The distinction matters because the two subheadings can carry different duty rates, and misclassification is a common audit finding for large capital equipment imports.