5603.94.90.30 - Thermal bonded, of staple fibers (223)

This HTS classification covers thermal bonded nonwoven fabrics manufactured from staple fibers. These materials are characterized by their method of bonding, where heat is applied to fuse the fibers together, creating a cohesive web without the need for chemical binders or mechanical entanglement. The "Other" designation within this specific subcategory indicates that the nonwoven fabric does not fall under more narrowly defined classifications within the broader "Weighing more than 150 g/m2" category, such as those explicitly defined by their manufacturing process beyond thermal bonding or by specific end-uses.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, HTS 5603.94.90.50, is crucial. While both are nonwovens weighing over 150 g/m2 and composed of staple fibers, this classification is specifically for those united by heat (thermal bonding). The sibling category, conversely, pertains to nonwovens achieved through mechanical entanglement, where fibers are physically interlocked. The presence of "Other" at this level implies a residual category for thermal bonded staple fiber nonwovens that don't fit into more specific thermal bonding sub-classifications, if they existed at a deeper level of the tariff schedule.

As this node is a leaf node in the provided HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification under HTS 5603.94.90.30 is final for thermal bonded nonwovens of staple fibers, exceeding 150 g/m2, that do not meet criteria for more specialized subdivisions at this level. Examples of such goods could include certain types of thermal bonded filter media, insulation materials, or components for disposable hygiene products where the thermal bonding process is the defining characteristic and the fabric is not otherwise specifically enumerated.