5516.31 - Unbleached or bleached:

This HTS category, 5516.31, specifically classifies woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers that are presented in an unbleached or bleached condition. These fabrics are characterized by containing less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, with the remainder being primarily or solely wool or fine animal hair. This composition is crucial for classification within this particular heading, distinguishing it from other woven fabrics.

The distinction from its sibling categories lies in the fabric's treatment and coloration. While 5516.32 covers dyed fabrics, 5516.33 pertains to fabrics woven from yarns of different colors, and 5516.34 refers to printed fabrics, 5516.31 is reserved for those fabrics that have not undergone these coloring or printing processes, remaining in their natural unbleached state or having been bleached.

Within this category, further subdivisions exist to refine the classification based on the proportion of wool or fine animal hair. Subcategory 5516.31.05 applies to fabrics where this animal hair content constitutes 36 percent or more by weight. The residual category, 5516.31.10.00, encompasses all other woven fabrics meeting the primary criteria of this heading but not falling into the more specific subcategory.