5516.21.00.10 - Poplin or broadcloth (625)

This HTS category, 5516.21.00.10, specifically classifies poplin or broadcloth woven fabrics composed of artificial staple fibers. These fabrics must contain less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, with the remainder being man-made filaments. Furthermore, the fabric must be in an unbleached or bleached state. Poplin and broadcloth are characterized by their fine, plain weave construction, typically resulting in a smooth, crisp finish and a high thread count, making them suitable for applications requiring durability and a refined appearance, such as shirting and formal wear.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While all share the common characteristic of being woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers, unbleached or bleached, and containing less than 85% artificial staple fibers mixed mainly or solely with man-made filaments, the specific weave structure differentiates them. This particular code is for poplin or broadcloth, which has a distinct plain weave. In contrast, 5516.21.00.20 covers sheeting, 5516.21.00.30 pertains to printcloth (often a lighter weight fabric with a different drape), and 5516.21.00.40 is reserved for fabrics woven in a satin or twill weave, which have visibly different surface textures and diagonal patterns. The residual category, 5516.21.00.90, is for all other woven fabrics meeting the overarching criteria but not falling into the specifically defined weaves.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Classification within this code relies on the precise identification of the fabric as poplin or broadcloth, its fiber content meeting the stipulated percentages, and its condition as unbleached or bleached. Any deviation from these parameters would necessitate classification under a different HTS code.