  Within the framework of chiral effective field theory, perturbative
calculation for $NN$ scattering is carried out in partial waves with orbital
angular momentum $L \geqslant 1$. The primary goal is to identify the lowest
angular momenta at which perturbative treatment of chiral forces can apply.
Results up to the order where the subleading two-pion exchange appears are
shown. It is concluded that perturbation theory applies to all partial waves
but ${}^1S_0$, ${}^3S_1 - {}^3D_1$, and ${}^3P_0$. Where it is applicable,
perturbation theory with the delta-less chiral forces produces good agreement
with the empirical phase shifts up to $k_\text{c.m.} \simeq 300$ MeV.
