0501.00.00.00 - Human hair, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured; waste of human hair

This HTS classification, 0501.00.00.00, specifically covers human hair in its raw, unprocessed state. This includes hair that has undergone washing or scouring to remove impurities, but has not been subjected to any further treatments such as dyeing, perming, or cutting into specific lengths for manufacturing purposes. Waste of human hair, such as trimmings or discarded hair fibers, also falls within this category.

It is crucial to distinguish this classification from other categories within Chapter 5 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which deals with animal or vegetable substances. Unlike categories for animal hairs (e.g., wool or animal fur), 0501.00.00.00 is exclusively for hair derived from humans. Furthermore, it excludes human hair that has been worked or processed into articles, which would be classified under subsequent chapters based on the finished product (e.g., wigs, textiles).

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification under 0501.00.00.00 is determined by the material being human hair and its state of being unworked, regardless of whether it has been cleaned. Any manipulation beyond washing or scouring, such as carding, combing for specific lengths, or being incorporated into a composite material, would necessitate re-evaluation for a different classification.