5210.21.60.90 - Cheesecloth (226)

This HTS classification, 5210.21.60.90, specifically covers cheesecloth that meets the criteria of being a woven fabric of cotton, containing less than 85 percent by weight of cotton and mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers, weighing not more than 200 g/m², bleached, and of plain weave. Cheesecloth is characterized by its open weave structure, creating a lightweight and porous fabric. Its primary use is often as a filtering material in culinary applications, for straining liquids, or as a protective covering, though it can also be used in crafts or medical contexts.

Distinguishing cheesecloth from its siblings at this level is crucial for accurate classification. While all share the same base weave and material composition criteria, the specific descriptive terms for siblings like poplin, broadcloth, sheeting, and printcloth denote different weave structures, densities, or intended end-uses that result in distinct fabric appearances and properties. Cheesecloth, with its distinctly open and gauze-like construction, differentiates itself from the tighter, more uniform weaves of these other categories.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories under 5210.21.60.90. Therefore, the focus remains on the specific characteristics that define cheesecloth within the broader framework of woven cotton fabrics. Importers and exporters should carefully examine the physical attributes of their goods to confirm that they align with the open, lightweight, and porous nature characteristic of cheesecloth, as opposed to the more densely woven and finished fabrics found in sibling classifications.