5911.90.00.40 - Cords, braids and the like of a kind used in industry as packing or lubricating material

This HTS category, 5911.90.00.40, encompasses cords, braids, and similar textile articles specifically designed and manufactured for industrial applications as packing or lubricating materials. These items are characterized by their textile construction, often woven, knitted, or braided, and are treated or designed to absorb, retain, or convey lubricants, or to provide a sealing function in mechanical systems. Examples include textile packing used for pumps, valves, or engine components, as well as wicking materials for lubrication systems in machinery.

This specific heading is distinguished from its sibling category, 5911.90.00.80, which covers "Other" textile articles of a kind suitable for industrial use that do not fall into the more specific categories within Chapter 59. Therefore, 5911.90.00.40 is reserved for those textile cords and braids whose primary and demonstrable function is as packing or lubricating material, whereas the sibling category is a residual category for other industrial textile articles not otherwise specified.

As this classification represents a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification under this heading relies on confirming that the textile cords or braids are indeed manufactured for and used as packing or lubricating materials in an industrial context, distinguishing them from general-purpose textile cords or braids that may have other uses.