5703.10.20.00 - Hand-hooked, that is, in which the tufts were inserted by hand or by means of a hand tool (465)

This classification, HTS Code 5703.10.20.00, specifically covers tufted carpets and other textile floor coverings made of wool or fine animal hair, where the tufts have been inserted by hand or with a hand-operated tool. This method of construction, often referred to as hand-hooking, is a key defining characteristic. These items are distinct from other floor coverings within the Chapter 57 grouping due to their specific manufacturing technique, even though they share the same primary material (wool or fine animal hair) and general product type.

The distinction between this category and its sibling, 5703.10.80.00 ("Other"), lies precisely in the method of tuft insertion. While the sibling category would encompass hand-hooked items that do not meet the specific definition provided, or potentially machine-tufted carpets of wool or fine animal hair, this code is exclusively for those where manual labor or hand tools were employed for the tufting process. This level of detail is crucial for accurate customs declarations and tariff assessment.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories under 5703.10.20.00. Therefore, the focus remains on the precise identification of hand-hooked, tufted floor coverings made from wool or fine animal hair, ensuring that importers and exporters correctly classify these goods based on their manufacturing method. Examples might include hand-hooked area rugs or carpet tiles where the looped or cut pile is formed by individual manual insertion.