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 materials.

The production of cotton linters typically involves the mechanical removal of the short fibers from the cotton seeds. This process is often carried out in cotton ginning facilities, where the longer cotton fibers are first separated from the seeds. The remaining linters are then further processed, often through a series of cleaning and sorting steps, to ensure the desired quality and consistency of the final product.

The primary input for the production of cotton linters is, of course, the cotton seeds themselves. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery and equipment, such as cotton gins, cleaning and sorting machines, and processing facilities. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also necessary for the various stages of production.

The main output of the cotton linters industry is the linters themselves, which are used in a variety of applications. These include the production of 480250 high-quality paper, the manufacture of 391220 cellulose-based products, and the creation of 550410 absorbent materials. The cotton linters industry also generates byproducts, such as cotton seed oil and meal, which can be further processed and utilized in other industries.