5508.20.00.00 - Of artificial staple fibers (200)

This HTS classification, 5508.20.00.00, specifically covers sewing thread manufactured from artificial staple fibers. Artificial staple fibers are defined as man-made fibers of cellulosic origin, such as those derived from wood pulp or cotton linters, that have been cut into short lengths to resemble natural staple fibers. This category encompasses all such sewing threads, regardless of whether they are packaged for individual retail sale or sold in bulk for industrial use. The key defining characteristic is the material composition of the staple fibers used in their manufacture.

This classification is distinct from its sibling, 5508.10.00.00, which pertains to sewing thread made from *synthetic* staple fibers. Synthetic staple fibers, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic, are produced through chemical processes and do not originate from natural cellulosic materials. Therefore, the primary differentiator lies in the fundamental nature of the staple fiber's origin and manufacturing process, with 5508.20.00.00 focusing exclusively on the artificial cellulosic types.

As 5508.20.00.00 is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions within this specific classification. This means that any sewing thread composed of artificial staple fibers, as defined by the HTS, will fall directly under this code, provided it meets the general criteria of being a sewing thread. Classification decisions for goods in this category will therefore rely heavily on the accurate identification of the artificial staple fiber composition and the product's primary use as sewing thread.