9902.13.16 - Acrylic staple fibers (polyacrylonitrile staple) containing 85 percent or more by weight of acrylonitrile units and 2 percent or more but not over 3 percent of water, colored, crimped, with a decitex between 1.98 and 2.42 and fiber length between 48 and 60 mm, certified by the importer as having a solar reflectance index less than 10 (provided for in subheading 5503.30.00)

This HTS category, 9902.13.16, covers specific types of acrylic staple fibers, precisely defined as polyacrylonitrile staple. These fibers must contain 85 percent or more acrylonitrile units by weight and a precise water content between 2 and 3 percent. Further distinguishing criteria include being colored, crimped, and possessing a decitex between 1.98 and 2.42 with a fiber length ranging from 48 to 60 mm. Crucially, these fibers must be certified by the importer as having a solar reflectance index less than 10, indicating specialized performance characteristics. This classification is a temporary modification and is provided for under the broader subheading 5503.30.00, which generally covers acrylic staple fibers.

Given that this is a leaf node within Chapter 99, it represents a highly specific, temporary tariff provision rather than a broad product category. Unlike its siblings in Chapter 99, which might cover other temporary modifications or restrictions on various goods, this entry is exclusively focused on a niche subset of acrylic staple fibers with particular physical properties and verified solar reflectance. The distinction from other HTS codes, including those in Section XI covering textiles, lies in the unique combination of material composition, physical attributes, and the explicit requirement for a low solar reflectance index, all subject to temporary tariff treatment.

As a leaf node, there are no subcategories to introduce. The classification is complete at this level, meaning that once a product meets all the detailed criteria outlined in the description, it falls directly under HTS 9902.13.16. Importers must ensure that all specified parameters – acrylonitrile content, water content, color, crimp, decitex, fiber length, and the certified solar reflectance index – are meticulously documented and verifiable to correctly apply this temporary tariff classification.