5202.99.05.00 - Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions

This classification, HTS Code 5202.99.05.00, pertains to specific types of cotton waste. It specifically covers card strips made from cotton that have a staple length of less than 30.1625 millimeters (or 1-3/16 inches), alongside lap waste, sliver waste, and roving waste. These materials are essentially byproducts of the spinning process, often consisting of short fibers and imperfectly formed yarn or slivers that are not suitable for direct use in textile production. The defining characteristic for inclusion here is the staple length of the cotton fibers within the card strips and the form of the waste material.

This specific code is distinguished from its sibling categories by its precise definition of eligible cotton waste. HTS Code 5202.99.10.00 covers waste described under additional U.S. note 9, implying specific import conditions or origins not addressed by this code. HTS Code 5202.99.30.00, designated as "Other," encompasses any remaining cotton waste that does not fit the detailed specifications of 5202.99.05.00 or 5202.99.10.00, making the staple length and waste form critical for accurate classification under this particular subheading.

As this is a leaf node within the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification is complete at this level, with the defining criteria of staple length for card strips and the specific forms of lap, sliver, and roving waste serving as the sole determinants for entry under HTS Code 5202.99.05.00. Importers must ensure their goods precisely match these physical characteristics to correctly utilize this classification.