The key distinction is width and form: 590610 covers tape not exceeding 20 cm wide that is adhesive, while 590699 covers broader woven or other non-knitted rubberized fabrics not elsewhere specified. If a rubberized strip exceeds 20 cm or lacks an adhesive surface, it typically falls under 590699 rather than 590610.

The heading does not set a minimum rubber-content threshold, but the fabric must be 'rubberized'—meaning impregnated, coated, covered, or laminated with rubber. Classification within the heading then turns on construction method (knitted vs. woven vs. tape form) rather than on rubber percentage. A binding ruling from CBP is advisable for borderline coated fabrics where the rubber layer is very thin.