5701 - Carpets and other textile floor coverings, knotted, whether or not made up:

Category 5701 encompasses knotted carpets and other textile floor coverings, regardless of whether they have been finished or made up. The defining characteristic of this category is the method of construction – knotting – which is a fundamental technique in creating many traditional and high-quality floor coverings. This includes items where the pile is formed by knotting yarns to the warp threads, a process distinct from other methods like weaving, tufting, or needle-punching.

Unlike other categories at the same hierarchical level which might cover live animals, raw materials, or a vast array of other manufactured goods, Chapter 57, and specifically heading 5701, is dedicated solely to textile floor coverings. Within this chapter, 5701 is further distinguished by its emphasis on the knotted construction, differentiating it from other types of textile floor coverings classified elsewhere in Chapter 57 that may be woven, tufted, or made by other non-knotted processes.

The subdivisions within 5701 are based on the primary textile material used in their construction. Subheading 5701.10 specifically covers knotted carpets and floor coverings made of wool or fine animal hair, which are renowned for their durability and luxurious feel. In contrast, subheading 5701.90 encompasses all other knotted textile floor coverings, including those made from synthetic fibers, cotton, or other vegetable and man-made textile materials. This bifurcation allows for more precise tariff application based on the material composition.