6213 - Handkerchiefs:

This HTS category, 6213, specifically covers handkerchiefs. These are typically square or rectangular pieces of fabric, often made of cotton or other textile materials, designed for personal use, such as for wiping the nose or face. The key defining characteristic is their intended function as a disposable or reusable cloth for personal hygiene.

While the HTS database contains a vast array of goods across many chapters, category 6213 stands apart by focusing solely on this specific personal accessory. Its siblings at the HTS Root level represent entirely different product groups, such as live animals (Chapter 01), foodstuffs, or machinery, making direct comparison at this fundamental level irrelevant. Within Section XI, which deals with textiles and textile articles, this category is nested under Chapter 62, which pertains to apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted, distinguishing it from knitted or crocheted textile goods.

Category 6213 is further divided into subcategories based on the material composition of the handkerchiefs. This subdivision is crucial for accurate classification, as import duties and regulations can vary significantly depending on the textile fiber used. The primary distinctions are between handkerchiefs made of cotton (6213.20) and those made from other textile materials (6213.90), which would include synthetic fibers, silk, wool, or blends not predominantly cotton.