5516.31.05.10 - Not combed (410)

This HTS classification, specifically 5516.31.05.10, pertains to woven fabrics manufactured from artificial staple fibers that are not combed. These fabrics contain less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, with the remainder being a mixture predominantly or exclusively of wool or fine animal hair. Furthermore, these specific fabrics are unbleached or bleached. The critical factor for classification within this sub-heading is the condition of the artificial staple fibers – they must be in a carded or sliver form, not further processed by combing.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 5516.31.05.20, lies solely in the processing of the artificial staple fibers. While this classification applies to "Not combed" artificial staple fibers, the sibling category covers fabrics where the artificial staple fibers have undergone the combing process, resulting in a more refined fiber and potentially a finer, smoother fabric. Both categories share the same foundational requirements regarding the proportion of artificial staple fibers, the presence of wool or fine animal hair, and the unbleached or bleached state.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification into 5516.31.05.10 is final based on the previously stated criteria: woven fabric, artificial staple fibers (not combed), less than 85% artificial staple fibers by weight, mixed mainly or solely with wool or fine animal hair, and unbleached or bleached, containing 36 percent or more by weight of wool or fine animal hair. Examples of such fabrics could include certain suitings, dress materials, or outerwear where the artificial staple fibers contribute to the fabric's structure and the wool or fine animal hair provides characteristic properties like warmth and drape.