5516.34.05.20 - Combed (410)

This HTS classification, 5516.34.05.20, specifically covers woven fabrics composed of artificial staple fibers that are further characterized as being combed. These fabrics fall within the broader category of woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers, but with specific weight and content parameters. To be classified here, the fabric must contain less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, with the remainder being a mixture predominantly or solely of wool or fine animal hair. Furthermore, these fabrics must be printed and contain 36 percent or more by weight of wool or fine animal hair.

The key distinguishing feature of this subcategory from its sibling, 5516.34.05.10, lies in the processing of the artificial staple fibers. While both categories share the same overall composition requirements (less than 85% artificial staple fibers, mixed with wool/fine animal hair, printed, and containing 36%+ wool/fine animal hair), this particular classification mandates that the artificial staple fibers used in the weave have undergone a combing process. Combing is a textile process that aligns and removes shorter fibers, resulting in a smoother, finer yarn with enhanced strength and luster compared to uncombed fibers.

As this classification is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories beneath it. Therefore, the focus for classification here rests on a thorough examination of the fabric's composition, the printing method employed, and crucially, the processing of the artificial staple fibers. Importers and exporters should ensure documentation clearly reflects whether the artificial staple fibers were combed or not, as this is the decisive factor differentiating this specific HTS code from its sibling.