5516.91.00.10 - Poplin or broadcloth (614)

This HTS category, 5516.91.00.10, specifically classifies woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers that are of a poplin or broadcloth construction. These fabrics are characterized by a fine, plain weave with a warp (lengthwise threads) that is significantly finer than the weft (crosswise threads). This weave structure results in a smooth, dense fabric surface often used in apparel such as shirts and blouses, as well as in bedding and other household textiles.

It is crucial to distinguish this classification from its sibling categories. For instance, while 5516.91.00.20 covers sheeting, which is typically a heavier, more durable plain weave fabric used primarily for bed linens, 5516.91.00.10 focuses on the specific poplin/broadcloth weave. Similarly, 5516.91.00.30 for printcloth denotes fabrics woven with a coarser yarn and a less dense construction, intended for printing, and 5516.91.00.40 encompasses lighter, more open weaves like cheesecloth, lawns, voiles, and batistes. The defining factor for this entry lies in the specific plain weave structure and the characteristic yarn count difference between warp and weft that defines poplin and broadcloth.

As this classification represents a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges on correctly identifying the material as artificial staple fibers and the weave construction as either poplin or broadcloth. Classification professionals should ensure that the fabric's physical properties align with the established definitions of these weave types, and that the material is not primarily of cotton or other natural fibers, which would fall under different chapter headings.