9902.13.42 - Carpets and other textile floor coverings, tufted, whether or not made up, of wool or fine animal hair, hand-hooked, that is, in which the tufts were inserted by hand or by means of a hand tool that is not power-driven (provided for in subheading 5703.10.20)

This HTS category, 9902.13.42, specifically covers carpets and other textile floor coverings that are tufted. The defining characteristic for this classification is that the tufting process, where loops of yarn are inserted into a backing material, must have been performed either by hand or with a non-powered hand tool. These floor coverings are made from wool or fine animal hair and can be presented in either a finished or unfinished state. It is important to note that this provision is made under Chapter 99, indicating it falls under temporary legislation or special trade provisions.

While other HTS chapters classify textile floor coverings based on material, construction, and intended use, this specific subheading within Chapter 99 targets a particular manufacturing method and material for potentially restricted or specially treated imports. It differs from the general provisions for carpets and floor coverings found in Chapter 57, such as those for power-loomed or other mechanically produced tufted carpets, by focusing solely on hand-inserted tufting. The reference to subheading 5703.10.20 within the description indicates that the underlying goods, without the special classification context, would typically be classified there.

As this node represents a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification under 9902.13.42 hinges entirely on the precise characteristics described: being a tufted carpet or floor covering, made of wool or fine animal hair, and specifically utilizing a hand-tufting or non-powered hand tool method for inserting the tufts. Any deviation in the manufacturing process or material composition would likely lead to classification under a different HTS code.