5210.31.60.20 - Poplin or broadcloth (314)

This HTS category, 5210.31.60.20, specifically covers dyed woven cotton fabrics of a plain weave, falling within the "of numbers 43 to 68" grouping. These fabrics are characterized by their composition: they contain less than 85 percent by weight of cotton and are mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibers. Furthermore, they must not exceed a weight of 200 grams per square meter. The "poplin or broadcloth" designation indicates a specific construction where warp yarns are interlaced with weft yarns, typically with one warp yarn over one weft yarn, creating a smooth, even surface.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While all share the common parentage of dyed, plain weave cotton fabrics under 200 g/m² and containing less than 85% cotton, the specific weave structure and resulting fabric type differentiate them. Category 5210.31.60.40 pertains to "sheeting," which generally refers to fabrics of a coarser weave and often used for bedding. Category 5210.31.60.60 applies to "printcloth," typically a lighter weight fabric with a tighter weave, often used for apparel and designed to be printed. Finally, 5210.31.60.90 covers "cheesecloth," a very open, sheer fabric with a loose weave, known for its absorbency and often used in culinary or medical applications.

As a leaf node, this HTS classification does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification within this code is on precisely meeting the criteria for poplin or broadcloth. This includes verifying the warp and weft yarn interlacing pattern to confirm the plain weave, confirming the cotton content is below 85% and mixed with man-made fibers, ensuring the fabric's weight does not exceed 200 g/m², and verifying that the fabric has undergone a dyeing process. The tactile feel and visual appearance of poplin and broadcloth, characterized by their smooth finish and tight weave resulting from the plain weave structure, are key indicators for classification under this specific code.