5515.13.10 - Other

This HTS category, 5515.13.10, encompasses woven fabrics manufactured from synthetic staple fibers that are predominantly composed of polyester staple fibers. These fabrics are specifically characterized by their blend, containing a significant proportion of wool or fine animal hair, but not meeting the quantitative threshold for classification under sibling category 5515.13.05. The defining characteristic here is a blend where wool or fine animal hair is present but constitutes less than 36 percent by weight of the total fabric composition.

To further refine classification within this group, subcategories are utilized to distinguish fabrics based on their processing of the polyester staple fibers. The distinction lies in whether the polyester staple fibers used in the weaving process have been combed. Combing is a mechanical process that aligns the staple fibers, removing shorter fibers and impurities, resulting in a smoother, finer, and more consistent yarn, and consequently, a fabric with improved aesthetic and tactile qualities.

Therefore, subcategory 5515.13.10.10 applies to woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers (primarily polyester) mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, where the polyester staple fibers are not combed. Conversely, subcategory 5515.13.10.20 is designated for fabrics of the same composition but where the polyester staple fibers have undergone the combing process. This distinction is crucial for accurate duty assessment and trade statistics.