5210.21.80.20 - Poplin or broadcloth (314) 🖩

This HTS category, 5210.21.80.20, specifically classifies bleached woven fabrics of cotton, weighing no more than 200 g/m², that are of a plain weave and have a yarn number of 69 or higher. The term "poplin" or "broadcloth" in the description signifies a tightly woven fabric with a fine, smooth finish, often achieved with a high thread count per inch, which aligns with the "number 69 or higher" yarn designation. These characteristics result in a fabric that is durable yet possesses a crisp hand, making it suitable for a variety of apparel and home furnishing applications where a refined appearance is desired.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 5210.21.80.90, lies in the specific type of plain weave fabric. While this category enumerates poplin or broadcloth with specific yarn characteristics, the sibling category encompasses other types of plain weave fabrics such as cheesecloth (a loosely woven fabric) and lawns, voiles, or batistes, which are typically lighter and more transparent. Therefore, the classification hinges on the fabric’s construction, density, and the fineness of the yarns used.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification decisions within this category therefore rely on a thorough examination of the fabric's physical attributes to ensure it meets the criteria for a bleached, plain weave cotton fabric with a yarn number of 69 or higher, and specifically fits the description of poplin or broadcloth, differentiating it from other plain weave constructions.