5408.21.00 - Unbleached or bleached

This HTS category encompasses woven fabrics manufactured from artificial filament yarns, specifically those containing 85% or more by weight of artificial filament, strip, or similar materials, as defined within heading 5408. The crucial characteristic of fabrics classified under 5408.21 is their state of being unbleached or bleached. This means the fabric has undergone processes to remove natural impurities or whiten it, but has not yet been dyed, printed, or constructed from yarns of different colors.

Distinguishing 5408.21 from its siblings is straightforward: while all fall under woven fabrics of artificial filament and contain at least 85% artificial filament, the sibling categories are defined by their subsequent coloration or design. 5408.22 covers fabrics that have been dyed to a uniform color, 5408.23 pertains to fabrics woven from yarns that are already of different colors, and 5408.24 includes fabrics that have been printed with designs. Therefore, 5408.21 represents the fabric in its pre-colored state.

The subcategories within 5408.21.00 provide a further level of detail based on the fabric's weight per square meter. 5408.21.00.30 classifies unbleached or bleached woven fabrics weighing no more than 170 grams per square meter, while 5408.21.00.60 includes those exceeding this weight threshold. This distinction is important for trade purposes, often reflecting differences in fabric density, intended end-use, and manufacturing processes.