5108.20 - Combed:

This HTS category, 5108.20, encompasses yarn spun from fine animal hair that has undergone the combing process, and which is not packaged for direct sale to consumers. Combing is a distinct mechanical treatment that aligns the fibers, removing shorter staples and resulting in a smoother, more uniform, and higher-quality yarn compared to carded yarn. This process is crucial for producing finer and more lustrous textiles.

It is important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 5108.10, which covers yarn of fine animal hair that has only been carded. Carding is a less intensive process that disentangles fibers but does not align them to the same degree as combing. Therefore, yarn classified under 5108.20 will exhibit characteristics of a more refined and often higher-value product due to the additional combing step.

The subcategories within 5108.20 further refine the classification based on the specific type of fine animal hair used. The provisions for Angora rabbit hair (5108.20.30.00) and mohair (5108.20.40.00) provide specific tariff treatment for these distinct and commercially significant fine animal hairs. The residual category, "Other" (5108.20.80.00), covers combed yarn of fine animal hair not specifically enumerated in the preceding subcategories, ensuring comprehensive coverage within this classification.