0505 - Skins and other parts of birds, with their feathers or down, feathers and parts of feathers (whether or not with trimmed edges) and down, not further worked than cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation; powder and waste of feathers or parts of feathers:

This HTS category, 0505, encompasses a variety of materials derived from birds, specifically focusing on their skins and plumage. It includes whole skins of birds, provided they still retain their feathers or down. Additionally, the category covers feathers and parts of feathers, regardless of whether their edges have been trimmed, as well as down. Crucially, these items must have undergone no further processing beyond cleaning, disinfection, or preservation treatments. The category also extends to any powder or waste generated from feathers or their parts.

When distinguishing 0505 from its siblings within Chapter 5, it's important to note that while other categories might cover animal products, 0505 is exclusively dedicated to avian by-products. For instance, sibling categories may address live animals (e.g., 0101-0105), but 0505 focuses on the non-living, processed parts of birds. Furthermore, this category is distinct from human hair (Chapter 67) or finished articles made from feathers or down, such as clothing or bedding, which would be classified elsewhere.

Within HTS 0505, two primary subcategories exist to further refine classification. The subdivision 0505.10.00 specifically addresses feathers and down that are of a kind typically used for stuffing. The remaining items not fitting this specific use case, such as ornamental feathers or bird skins without down for stuffing, fall under the broader "Other" designation, 0505.90, allowing for a detailed breakdown of avian by-products based on their intended application or form.