Vegetable products; cotton linters

HS code 140420 covers the classification of cotton linters, which are the short, fine fibers that remain attached to cotton seeds after the longer cotton fibers have been removed. Cotton linters are an important byproduct of the cotton industry and have a wide range of applications, from the production of high-quality paper to the manufacture of cellulose-based products. This industry plays a crucial role in the global textile and manufacturing sectors, contributing to the efficient utilization of cotton resources and the development of sustainable, value-added products.

The production of cotton linters typically involves the mechanical separation of the short fibers from the cotton seeds. This process is known as delinting and is usually carried out at cotton ginning facilities. The cotton seeds are first passed through a series of saws or rollers that remove the longer cotton fibers, leaving behind the shorter linters. These linters are then cleaned, graded, and processed further to meet the specific requirements of various industries.

The primary input for the production of cotton linters is, of course, the cotton seeds themselves. This raw material is sourced from cotton farms and plantations around the world. In addition to the cotton seeds, the production process may also require specialized machinery, such as delinting equipment, as well as various chemicals and processing aids to ensure the quality and consistency of the final product.

The main output of HS code 140420 is the cotton linters themselves, which are used in a variety of applications. These include the production of 480200 high-quality paper, the manufacture of 390120 cellulose-based plastics, and the creation of 300490 pharmaceutical and medical products. Cotton linters are also used as a source of 550100 cellulose fiber for the textile industry, as well as in the production of 330499 personal care products and 380810 pesticides.