5516.42.00.40 - Cheesecloth; lawns, voiles or batistes (226)

This HTS category, 5516.42.00.40, specifically covers cheesecloth, lawns, voiles, and batistes that are woven from artificial staple fibers. To qualify for this classification, the fabric must contain less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibers, with the remaining fibers being primarily cotton. Furthermore, these fabrics must be dyed. The classification emphasizes the characteristic fine weave and lightweight nature of these textiles, often used for specialized purposes such as surgical dressings (cheesecloth), sheer apparel, or decorative applications.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 5516.42.00.40 focuses on specific fabric constructions and types that are dyed. For example, while other siblings may cover poplin, broadcloth, printcloth, duck, or satin/twill weaves, this classification is reserved for the distinct textures and openness of cheesecloth, lawns, voiles, and batistes. The dyeing process is a key differentiator, meaning these fabrics have undergone a color treatment, unlike potentially undyed or printed fabrics that might fall under other sibling headings.

As this HTS code represents a leaf node within the tariff schedule, there are no further subcategories to introduce. The classification is definitive for dyed cheesecloth, lawns, voiles, and batistes composed primarily of artificial staple fibers mixed with cotton. Therefore, importers and exporters must ensure that the goods precisely match these material composition, weave characteristics, and dyeing status to correctly apply this tariff code.