F.NO.58/02/2001-CX.I
Government of India
Ministry of Finance & Company Affairs
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Excise and Customs

Sub: Classification of Chenille Fabrics

            I am directed to say that doubts have been raised about classification of Chenille Fabrics, whether under sub-heading 5801.21 or 5801.31 or under sub-heading 5801.91 or 5801.92 of the Central Excise Tariff.

2.         The matter has been examined in the Board. Note (B) against heading 56.06 of the HSN defines "chenille yarn" as consisting generally of two or more strands of textile yarn twisted together and gripping short ends of textile yarn which stand out practically perpendicularly. It, therefore, looks like yarn tufted with pile threads throughout its length. It is usually manufactured directly on special looms or by cutting up special leno fabric; in the latter process, after the fabric has been cut along either side of each group of warp threads, it is these warp threads (ground and crossing threads) which serve as support in chenille yarn, and the weft which forms the pile

3.         The heading also covers chenille yarn obtained by fixing textile flock to a core of textile yarn. In this process the core yarn passes through a glue bath and subsequently through a chamber where a textile flock is fixed radially to the core under the influence of high-tension electrostatic field. Chenille yarn is used, inter alia in the manufacture of chenille fabric (heading 58.01) or of various trimmings.

4.         Note(B) against heading 58.01 of HSN defines "chenille fabrics" as very similar to the chenille carpets of heading 57.02; like these, their pile surface (usually on both sides) is produced by chenille yarns. They are generally manufactured by means of an additional weft of chenille yarn or by inserting chenille yarn in different lengths, and colours, into the warp during weaving of the ground fabric.

5.         The chenille fabrics along with the woven pile fabric are classified under chapter 58.01. The basic difference between a pile fabric and chenille fabric is that in the chenille fabric, the piling material is invariably the chenille yarn. Therefore, in deciding the classification of the Chenille fabric the constitution of the chenille yarn used in the manufacture of chenille fabric is required to be considered. As per sub-heading Note 2A of Section XI of the Tariff, the predominance factor will apply to products of chapter 56 to 63. Subheading Note 2(B) (ii) to Section XI says that in case of textile products of Chapter 56 to 63 consisting of a ground fabric and pile or looped surface no account shall be taken of the ground fabric. In respect of chenille fabrics the pile surface is produced by chenille yarn. Therefore the classification of chenille fabric would be dependent on the constitution of the chenille yarn.

6.         In view of the above principle, it is clarified that if the chenille yarn is predominantly of wool or fine animal hair, cotton, or man-made fibres, the resultant chenille fabric (unprocessed) would merit classification under sub-heading 5801.11, 5801.21 or 5801.31, respectively. If the chenille yarn is predominantly of other textile materials, then the chenille fabric would appropriately be classified under sub-heading 5801.91 of the Tariff. When the chenille fabric is subjected to any process corresponding sub-heading will apply.

7.         Suitable Trade notices may be issued for the information of the Trade

8.         Field formation may be informed suitably.