5514.30.31.00 - Of polyester staple fibers, plain weave (218)

This HTS category, 5514.30.31.00, specifically classifies woven fabrics composed of polyester staple fibers. A key defining characteristic of this classification is the weave structure: a plain weave. Furthermore, these fabrics must contain less than 85% by weight of synthetic staple fibers, with a significant portion of the remainder being cotton. The fabric's weight must also exceed 170 grams per square meter, and it falls under the broader heading of fabrics woven from yarns of different colors.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 5514.30.32 and 5514.30.33 is crucial. Unlike the 3-thread or 4-thread twill weaves covered in 5514.30.32, this category is exclusively for plain weaves, which are characterized by a simple interlacing pattern where each warp yarn passes over one weft yarn and under the next. Category 5514.30.33 encompasses "other woven fabrics," making this specific classification for plain weave fabrics of polyester staple fibers a more granular designation.

As 5514.30.31.00 is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges directly on meeting all the specified criteria: being a woven fabric, of polyester staple fibers, in a plain weave, with less than 85% synthetic fiber content mixed mainly or solely with cotton, exceeding 170 g/m², and woven from yarns of different colors. Examples of such fabrics might include certain types of apparel linings or home furnishings where these specific construction and fiber composition requirements are met.