CBP examines the knot structure, pile attachment method, and back construction of the rug. Genuine hand-knotted rugs show individual knots tied around warp threads, visible from the back, while machine-made rugs have a uniform, mechanically produced backing. Misrepresenting construction method to obtain a lower duty rate constitutes fraud, so importers should obtain detailed production affidavits from manufacturers.

Polyester and polypropylene face competition from recycled-content variants as sustainability requirements grow among commercial buyers. Wool remains the preferred fiber for premium hand-knotted rugs, and its price volatility — tied to global sheep production cycles — can shift sourcing between producing regions from year to year.