1401.20 - Rattans:

This HTS category, 1401.20, specifically covers "Rattans." Rattans are woody stems of various species of palms, known for their flexibility and strength. They are primarily used as raw materials in the manufacture of various finished goods, particularly those requiring plaiting or weaving. This includes furniture, baskets, mats, and other decorative or functional items.

Within Chapter 14, this heading differentiates itself from its sibling, 1401.10.00.00 (Bamboos), by focusing exclusively on rattan palms. While both are used for plaiting materials, bamboos are characterized by their hollow, segmented stems, whereas rattans are typically solid and flexible vines. This category also stands apart from the "Other" category under 1401.90 by specifically enumerating rattan as a distinct material.

The subcategories under 1401.20 further refine the classification based on the processing of the rattan. Category 1401.20.20 applies to rattan that is either in its natural, unprocessed state ("in the rough") or has been cut into sections, typically for easier transport or initial preparation. Category 1401.20.40.00 encompasses all other forms of rattan not specifically described in the preceding subcategory, which would include processed, prepared, or further worked rattan not falling under the initial cutting.