Cashmere Combed Fabric

🧶 Cashmere Combed Fabric (Combed Cashmere Textile)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Combed Cashmere Fabric"?

Cashmere Combed Fabric is a high-end textile material derived from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats. In international trade, it is classified based on its processing state (Combed), material composition (Cashmere/Cashmere Blend), and form (Fabric/Woven). The key distinction lies in whether it is woven (machine-made fabric) or knitted, and whether it is pure cashmere or blended.

⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- Combed vs. Carded: "Combed" implies a higher quality, smoother texture, and specific HS code chapters (Chapter 51, specific headings for wool/cashmere).
- Pure Cashmere vs. Blend: If it is 100% cashmere, it falls under specific subheadings. If it is a "blend" (e.g., cashmere + wool), it may fall under different subheadings depending on the dominant fiber or specific classification rules.
- Woven vs. Knitted: The provided data implies woven fabric (HS 5111/5112 series are for woven fabrics of wool/fine animal hair). Knitted fabrics would fall under Chapter 60.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

The provided data suggests five potential HS codes for "Cashmere Combed Fabric." Below is the detailed breakdown, analysis, and tax implication for each.

🔍 Critical Note:
- The majority of these codes (4 out of 5) carry a 60% tax rate, driven by Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods.
- HS 6302.39.00.10 is an anomaly with a much lower rate (21.8%), but its applicability depends on whether the fabric is specifically declared/intended for bed linen (sheets, pillowcases) rather than general apparel or upholstery.
- HS 5111 vs. 5112: 5111 is typically for carded wool, while 5112 is for combed wool. Since the product is "Combed," 5112 codes are technically more accurate, though 5111 was included in the data due to broader categorization.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from the specific "122 Clause" and tariff structure in the data)
✅ Effective Time: Post-2025 adjustments (Current 2026 structure)

🎯 1. High-Tax Group: 5111.19.60.60, 5111.90.90.00, 5112.19.60.10, 5112.19.60.40

📌 Explanation:
- The 60% rate is extremely high for textiles. It is composed of:
- 25% Base Duty: Standard WTO/MFN rate for woven fabrics of fine animal hair.
- 25% Section 301 Tariff: Geopolitical trade war surcharge on Chinese textiles.
- 10% Section 122 Tariff: Additional duty on specific textile categories to protect domestic production.
- Result: This makes importing cashmere fabric from China to the US highly expensive unless offset by high product margins.

🎯 2. Low-Tax Anomaly: 6302.39.00.10

📌 Explanation:
- This rate is significantly lower (21.8% vs. 60%).
- Risk: Customs may challenge this classification if the fabric is not explicitly declared as bed linen material or if it is sold as general fabric. Misclassification here can lead to severe penalties.
- Condition: Must be used for bed linen (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers). If used for apparel, this code is incorrect.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Strategy)

🔥 "Be Precise, Avoid Ambiguity: 'Fabric' vs. 'Bed Linen' Matters!"

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market for cashmere fabric imports from China due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- EU/UK are more competitive with standard MFN rates.
- Cost Optimization: If the fabric is for bed linen, consider using 6302.39.00.10 with proper documentation to save 38.2% in duties. Otherwise, expect 60%.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Cashmere Fabric" as 6302.39.00.10 without specifying "Bed Linen" use.
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 5112, charges 60% instead of 21.8%, plus penalties.

❌ Mistake 2: Misidentifying "Carded" vs. "Combed" fabric.
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code (5111 vs. 5112). While both may be 60%, it shows lack of professionalism and may trigger audits.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariffs.
👉 Consequence: Underpaying by 10%. Customs will assess back-taxes + interest + penalties.

❌ Mistake 4: Assuming "De Minimis" applies to bulk shipments.
👉 Consequence: Shipment held at border, storage fees accrue, delayed delivery.

✅ Correct Action:

"Combed Cashmere Woven Fabric, 100% Cashmere, 200 GSM, for Apparel Use" → 5112.19.60.10 (60%)
"Combed Cashmere Fabric for Bed Sheets" → 6302.39.00.10 (21.8%)

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization!

🎯 Remember:

🔹 "60% is the standard for apparel fabric; 21.8% is the target for bed linen."
🔹 "Section 301 + 122 = 35% extra cost. Plan accordingly!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider supply chain diversification to countries with FTAs (e.g., Vietnam, Bangladesh) to avoid US Section 301 tariffs. Alternatively, apply for HTSUS exclusions if applicable (though rare for textiles).

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact Customs Broker: Confirm if your specific fabric qualifies for 6302.39.00.10 with proper end-use documentation.
🚀 Optimize Cost: Save 38.2% if declared correctly as bed linen material!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!