5210.21 - Plain weave:

This HTS classification, 5210.21, specifically covers plain weave woven fabrics of cotton that are bleached. The key criteria for inclusion are that these fabrics contain less than 85 percent by weight of cotton, are mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers, and do not exceed a weight of 200 grams per square meter. The bleaching process is a defining characteristic of this subcategory, differentiating it from unbleached or dyed cotton fabrics within the broader heading.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 5210.29 "Other fabrics," is crucial for accurate classification. While 5210.29 would encompass any plain weave fabrics of cotton meeting the weight and fiber composition criteria that are *not* bleached, this category is exclusively for those that have undergone a bleaching treatment. This distinction is important for determining appropriate duty rates and trade statistics.

Within 5210.21, further subclassification is based on the "number" of the yarns used in the fabric construction. The subcategories 5210.21.40, 5210.21.60, and 5210.21.80 segment these bleached plain weave fabrics according to the fineness of the yarns, with lower numbers indicating coarser yarns and higher numbers indicating finer yarns. This granular detail allows for more precise tracking and reporting of different types of bleached cotton-blend fabrics.