5609.00.20.00 - Of vegetable fibers, except cotton

This HTS category, 5609.00.20.00, encompasses articles made from yarn, strip, twine, cordage, rope, or cables that are not elsewhere specified or included. The defining characteristic of this classification is that these articles are fabricated from vegetable fibers, with the specific exclusion of cotton. This means products such as ropes, cords, or nets made from materials like jute, flax, hemp, or ramie would fall under this heading, provided they are not covered by more specific provisions elsewhere in the tariff schedule.

To differentiate this category from its siblings, consider the material composition. Category 5609.00.10.00 specifically covers articles made of cotton. Category 5609.00.30.00 is for articles derived from man-made fibers, such as polyester or nylon. Category 5609.00.40.00 serves as a residual category for any other articles of yarn, strip, twine, cordage, rope, or cables not elsewhere specified that do not fit the 'cotton' or 'man-made fibers' descriptions. Therefore, 5609.00.20.00 is precisely for those articles made from natural vegetable fibers that are not cotton.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification within this code hinges on the definitive presence of vegetable fibers (excluding cotton) as the primary component of the yarn, strip, twine, cordage, rope, or cable forming the article. Importers and exporters should ensure that the documented fiber content accurately reflects this distinction to ensure correct customs declaration.