5201.00.55.00 - Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions

This HTS category, 5201.00.55.00, specifically classifies raw cotton that has not been carded or combed, but *only* when it meets the criteria outlined in General Note 15 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. General Note 15 often pertains to specific trade agreements, preferential treatment programs, or special conditions under which goods can be imported or exported. Therefore, classification under this heading requires adherence to the stipulated provisions of General Note 15, alongside the inherent characteristic of the cotton itself having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches) or more.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. HTS code 5201.00.60.00, for instance, covers similar raw cotton but is designated for entries that comply with Additional U.S. Note 8 to Chapter 52, which may relate to specific quality standards or origins. The "Other" category, 5201.00.80.00, serves as a residual classification for raw cotton not meeting the specific conditions of General Note 15 or Additional U.S. Note 8, while still possessing a staple length of 34.925 mm or more.

As this classification represents a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subdivisions. Classification is determined solely by whether the raw cotton with a staple length of 34.925 mm or more meets the precise requirements of General Note 15. Examples of cotton that might fall here could include that imported under a specific free trade agreement or for a particular duty-free program, provided all documentation and quality assurances stipulated in General Note 15 are met.