5516.92.00.40 - Cheesecloth; lawns, voiles or batistes (226)

This HTS classification, 5516.92.00.40, specifically covers certain woven fabrics of artificial staple fibers that are dyed. The term "cheesecloth" refers to a loosely woven cotton gauze fabric, often used for culinary purposes like straining, but can also include similar lightweight, open-weave fabrics made from artificial staple fibers. "Lawns, voiles, or batistes" are characteristically fine, lightweight, and sheer fabrics, traditionally made from cotton, but this classification extends these types of constructions to those woven from artificial staple fibers and subsequently dyed. The key defining features are the open or fine weave structure and the fact that the fabric has undergone a dyeing process.

This category distinguishes itself from its siblings primarily through the specific types of weaves and constructions it encompasses, as well as the absence of further specified finishing processes beyond dyeing for these particular fabric types. For instance, while other categories under 5516.92.00 cover poplin, sheeting, printcloth, duck, or satin/twill weaves, this classification is reserved for the more loosely woven cheesecloth constructions and the fine, sheer lawns, voiles, and batistes that have been dyed. It is crucial to differentiate based on the distinct textural and structural properties of these fabrics, alongside the color treatment.

As a leaf node within the HTS, 5516.92.00.40 represents a specific endpoint for classification. Therefore, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification into this code hinges on confirming that the fabric is indeed manufactured from artificial staple fibers, possesses the characteristic weave of cheesecloth, lawn, voile, or batiste, and has been dyed. Any additional finishing treatments or distinct weave patterns would likely place the fabric into a different, more specific sibling category under the same heading.