5603.11.00.10 - Impregnated, coated or covered with material other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp or glass fibers; "imitation suede" (223)

This HTS subcategory, 5603.11.00.10, specifically classifies nonwoven fabrics made from man-made filaments that weigh no more than 25 grams per square meter. The defining characteristic of these materials is that they are impregnated, coated, or covered with substances other than, or in addition to, rubber, plastics, wood pulp, or glass fibers. This includes materials designed to mimic the texture and feel of suede, commonly referred to as "imitation suede." The emphasis is on the surface treatment and the resulting material properties, beyond the basic nonwoven structure.

In contrast to its sibling categories, this classification is for the material itself, before any potential further processing into finished articles. Sibling category 5603.11.00.70 is reserved for nonwoven articles that are ready for use and specifically packaged for industrial, institutional, or retail sale, implying a finished product with a defined application. Category 5603.11.00.95 serves as a residual for any other nonwoven materials under 5603.11 that do not fit into the more specific classifications.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification structure, there are no further subcategories branching from 5603.11.00.10. Therefore, the focus remains on correctly identifying nonwoven fabrics meeting the weight and surface treatment criteria. Examples within this category would include lightweight, treated nonwovens used in specialized applications such as certain types of disposable hygiene products, or as interlining in apparel where a specific feel or barrier property is imparted by the impregnation or coating.