4202.12.89.50 - Containing 85 percent or more by weight of silk or silk waste

This HTS category, specifically 4202.12.89.50, classifies travel goods and similar containers that possess an outer surface made of textile materials, and where those textile materials consist of 85 percent or more by weight of silk or silk waste. This includes items such as trunks, suitcases, vanity cases, briefcases, and other similar containers, as well as traveling bags and handbags, provided they meet the stringent silk content requirement for their outer construction. The emphasis on silk content is a critical distinguishing factor for classification within this specific subdivision.

Unlike its sibling category 4202.12.89.60, which exclusively covers items with an outer surface of cotton, this category specifically targets articles where silk is the predominant textile material by weight. This distinction is crucial for accurate duty assessment, as the value and origin of silk often lead to different tariff treatments. The "Other" sibling category (4202.12.89.80) serves as a catch-all for textile-covered articles that do not meet the specific material criteria of either the silk or cotton subdivisions.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification under 4202.12.89.50 is final for eligible articles. Importers and exporters should meticulously verify the fiber content of the outer textile material, ensuring that silk or silk waste constitutes at least 85% of the total weight to correctly classify their goods and comply with customs regulations.