5603.91.00.10 - Impregnated, coated or covered with material other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp or glass fibers; "imitation suede" (223)

This HTS classification, 5603.91.00.10, specifically identifies nonwoven textile materials that weigh not more than 25 grams per square meter. These materials are further characterized by being impregnated, coated, or covered with substances other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp, or glass fibers. A notable example falling under this code is "imitation suede," which meets these weight and treatment criteria. The emphasis is on lightweight nonwovens with specific surface treatments that impart properties beyond those of raw nonwovens.

The key distinguishing factor from its sibling category, 5603.91.00.90 (Other), lies in the explicit exclusion of certain impregnation, coating, or covering materials. While 5603.91.00.90 would cover lightweight nonwovens treated with rubber, plastics, wood pulp, or glass fibers, this category addresses those treated with a broader range of materials, including but not limited to those that create effects like imitation suede. The weight criterion of not exceeding 25 g/m² is fundamental to both sibling categories, ensuring a focus on extremely light nonwoven fabrics.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification structure, there are no further subcategories beneath 5603.91.00.10. Therefore, the classification is definitive for lightweight, specially treated nonwoven materials, excluding those treated with the specific materials mentioned in the sibling category. Importers and exporters should carefully examine the exact composition of the impregnating, coating, or covering material to ensure correct classification under this specific code, particularly when dealing with imitation suede-like materials.