5702.10 - "Kelem", "Schumacks", "Karamanie" and similar hand woven rugs:

This category, HTS 5702.10, specifically covers hand-woven rugs known by various traditional names such as "Kelem," "Schumacks," and "Karamanie." These are characterized by their flat weave construction, lacking a pile or tufted surface. Unlike other categories within Chapter 57, the defining feature here is the method of production – manual weaving – which imparts unique designs and often a less dense construction compared to machine-made carpets.

Within the broader scope of "Carpets and other textile floor coverings, woven, not tufted or flocked," HTS 5702.10 stands apart from its siblings. For instance, it is distinct from 5702.20, which exclusively deals with floor coverings made from coconut fibers (coir). Furthermore, it differs from the various sub-classifications of 5702.30, 5702.40, and 5702.50, which relate to rugs of pile construction or those not of pile construction but are generally machine-made or produced through different weaving techniques. The emphasis for 5702.10 remains squarely on traditional, hand-woven artistry.

The subcategories under 5702.10 serve to further refine the classification based on specific certifications or origins. HTS 5702.10.10.00 applies to rugs that are formally certified as hand-loomed and recognized as folklore products, suggesting a higher level of artisanal tradition and cultural significance. The residual category, HTS 5702.10.90, encompasses all other hand-woven rugs of this type that do not meet the specific certification criteria of the preceding subcategory. This differentiation allows for a more precise accounting and potential tariff treatment of these distinct goods.