5209.42.00 - Denim

This category, HTS Code 5209.42.00, specifically classifies "Denim" when it meets the broader criteria of woven fabrics of cotton containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton and weighing more than 200 g/m². It further refines this by identifying denim woven from yarns of different colors, which is a defining characteristic of the distinct weft and warp colorations commonly associated with denim.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, HTS 5209.41 covers plain weave cotton fabrics meeting the weight and cotton content requirements, while HTS 5209.43.00 and 5209.49.00 encompass other twill weaves or miscellaneous woven fabrics. The key differentiator here is the specific identification of denim, a fabric characterized by its diagonal ribbing in the twill weave and, crucially for this subcategory, its varied yarn colors contributing to its iconic appearance.

Within this "Denim" classification, further subdivisions exist to delineate specific types of denim. The subcategories, "Blue denim" and "Other denim," allow for more precise classification based on the typical blue warp and white weft construction of traditional blue denim versus other color combinations or variations that may still fit the broader definition of denim. This distinction is important for accurate record-keeping and potential duty rate variations.