5701.90.10 - With pile inserted and knotted during weaving or knitting

This HTS category, 5701.90.10, specifically covers carpets and other textile floor coverings that are constructed with a pile inserted and knotted directly during the weaving or knitting process. This method of construction is integral to the classification, distinguishing these items by their unique manufacturing technique where the pile loops are formed and secured simultaneously with the base fabric. The materials used in these floor coverings are from "other textile materials," meaning they are not exclusively wool or fine animal hair, which would fall under a different sub-heading.

In contrast to its sibling category, 5701.90.20 (Other), this classification focuses on a very specific construction method. While the sibling category would encompass knotted pile floor coverings made of "other textile materials" that do not meet the precise "inserted and knotted during weaving or knitting" criteria, this heading is dedicated to those that do. Therefore, the key differentiator lies in the integral knotting and pile insertion process during the primary textile production.

Within this classification, further sub-divisions exist to refine the categorization. The primary subdivision is 5701.90.10.10, which designates "Hand-knotted" varieties. This indicates that the knotting process is performed manually, often by skilled artisans. The existence of this specific hand-knotted subcategory allows for a more granular classification based on the labor-intensive nature of the production, which can have implications for duty rates and trade statistics.