6204.49 - Of other textile materials:

This HTS category, 6204.49, encompasses women's or girls' dresses that are not knitted or crocheted and are made from textile materials other than wool, fine animal hair, cotton, synthetic fibers, or artificial fibers. Essentially, it serves as a residual category for dresses composed of a wide range of other natural and man-made materials not specified in the preceding subheadings within 6204.4.

The distinction from sibling categories is crucial for accurate classification. Unlike 6204.41 (wool/fine animal hair), 6204.42 (cotton), 6204.43 (synthetic fibers), and 6204.44 (artificial fibers), this subheading applies when the primary textile material of the dress does not fall into those specific classifications. This ensures that dresses made from materials like silk, linen, jute, or blends where none of the aforementioned fibers predominate are correctly categorized.

Within 6204.49, further subdivision is provided to refine classification based on material composition. Subcategory 6204.49.10.00 specifically addresses dresses where silk or silk waste constitutes 70 percent or more by weight, recognizing the distinct trade and material characteristics of silk. The residual subcategory, 6204.49.50, covers all other dresses falling under the broader scope of 6204.49 that do not meet the specific silk content threshold.