5201.00 - Cotton, not carded or combed:

This HTS category, 5201.00, encompasses raw cotton that has undergone initial processing but has not yet been subjected to the carding or combing operations. It includes all types of cotton fibers, whether in bales, bundles, or other forms, that are ready for spinning into yarn. The key characteristic defining this classification is the absence of carded or combed fibers, which are differentiated in subsequent subheadings.

In contrast to sibling categories within the broader HTS system, which cover a vast array of goods from live animals to machinery, HTS 5201.00 is specifically focused on raw textile materials derived from the cotton plant. Its position within Section XI highlights its role as a foundational material for the textile industry.

The subcategories within HTS 5201.00 further refine the classification of raw cotton based on its staple length. This physical characteristic is a critical determinant of the cotton's suitability for various spinning processes and the quality of the resulting yarn. Understanding these staple length distinctions is essential for accurate import and export declarations, influencing potential duty rates and trade statistics.