Coarse Wool Fiber for Sorting
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5101112000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5101192000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§Ά Coarse Wool Fiber for Sorting (Uncombed Greasy Wool)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Coarse Wool for Sorting"?
Coarse wool fiber for sorting refers to raw, uncarded, and uncombed wool that has not been improved (scoured or cleaned) and is typically in its greasy state (including fleece-washed wool).
In international trade, this category is strictly divided by fineness (micron count/super number) and processing state. The key distinction lies in whether the wool is finer than 46s or 40s.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- "Not Finer than 46s": Generally refers to wool with a micron count β₯ ~23-25 microns (coarser).
- "Not Finer than 40s": Generally refers to wool with a micron count β₯ ~29 microns (very coarse).
- "Unimproved/Greasy": Means the wool has not been washed, scoured, or chemically treated to remove grease, dirt, or suint. It is in its natural state from the sheep.
- "For Sorting": Indicates the wool is raw material intended for further processing (sorting, washing, carding, spinning).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are two possible HS Codes depending on the fineness of the wool. Both fall under Chapter 51 (Wool, Fine or Coarse Hair; Yarn and Woven Fabric).
| HS Code | Product Description | Fineness Criteria | Processing State | Tax Detail (Base + Additional) | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5101.11.20.00 | Wool, not carded or combed: Greasy, including fleece-washed wool: Shorn wool: Unimproved wool; other wool, not finer than 46s: Other | Not finer than 46s | Greasy/Unimproved | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 5101.19.20.00 | Wool, not carded or combed: Greasy, including fleece-washed wool: Other: Unimproved wool; other wool, not finer than 40s: Other | Not finer than 40s | Greasy/Unimproved | Base: 0.0%, Additional: 25.0% | 25.0% |
π Critical Note:
- HS 5101.11.20.00 applies to Shorn Wool that is not finer than 46s.
- HS 5101.19.20.00 applies to Other Greasy Wool (which may include fleece-washed or other types) that is not finer than 40s.
- Fineness is the key determinant: If the wool is between 46s and 40s (i.e., coarser than 46s but finer than 40s), it may fall into different sub-categories. However, based on the provided data, 5101.11.20.00 is for "Shorn wool" (not finer than 46s), and 5101.19.20.00 is for "Other" (not finer than 40s).
- Tax Implication: 5101.19.20.00 incurs a 25% additional tariff, while 5101.11.20.00 is 0%. This makes correct classification critical for cost control.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025+ (as per current trade policies)
π― 1. 5101.11.20.00 ββ Shorn Wool, Greasy, Not Finer than 46s
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0% |
| Total Tariff | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Applicable (if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS 5101.11.20 |
π Explanation:
- This classification benefits from zero duty.
- It is crucial that the wool is Shorn (not fleece-washed) and not finer than 46s.
- If the wool is finer than 46s, it may be classified under a different subheading (e.g., 5101.11.10) with different rates.
π― 2. 5101.19.20.00 ββ Other Greasy Wool, Not Finer than 40s
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Total Tariff | 25% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (if subject to Section 301) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 5101.19.20 + USITC Footnote for China |
π Explanation:
- This classification incurs a 25% additional tariff.
- It applies to Greasy Wool (including fleece-washed) that is not finer than 40s.
- Fleece-washed wool is explicitly mentioned in the description, which may trigger the 25% rate even if the wool is coarse.
- Cost Impact: For every $100,000 of CIF value, you will pay $25,000 in additional duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Greasy Wool, Shorn/Not Finer than 46s/40s" |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, bale size, and lot numbers |
| Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of origin (e.g., China) |
| Inspection Report | βοΈ | Include micron count and super number to prove fineness |
| Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document |
| Fumigation Certificate | βοΈ | Wool is subject to pest control regulations |
β οΈ Critical: The micron count must be verified by a third-party lab. Misreporting fineness can lead to severe penalties and back taxes.
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βShorn 46s is Free, Greasy 40s is 25%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorn wool, not finer than 46s | 5101.11.20.00 |
Report as 5101.19.20.00 | Overpay 25% |
| Fleece-washed wool, not finer than 40s | 5101.19.20.00 |
Report as 5101.11.20.00 | Underpay 25% β Penalty + Back Tax |
| Fine wool (finer than 46s) | Other HS Code | Report as 5101.11.20.00 | Incorrect Classification β Seizure |
| Carded or Combed wool | Chapter 51 Other | Report as 5101 | Incorrect Chapter β Higher Tax |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Bales | If bales contain both shorn and fleece-washed wool, the highest applicable rate may be applied. Separate shipments if possible. |
| Fleece-Washed Wool | Explicitly declare as "Fleece-Washed" to avoid confusion with "Shorn". This likely triggers 5101.19.20.00 (25% tax). |
| Micron Count Dispute | If customs disputes the micron count, provide third-party lab results. Without proof, customs may assume the worst-case scenario (higher tax). |
| De Minimis | If the total value is under $800, 5101.11.20.00 may be exempt from all duties. 5101.19.20.00 may still be subject to 25% if Section 301 applies. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5101.11.20.00 |
0% (Shorn, β₯46s) | Fumigation Cert | High risk if misclassified |
| πΊπΈ USA | 5101.19.20.00 |
25% (Greasy, β₯40s) | Fumigation Cert | 25% additional tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 5101.11.00.00 |
0% | N/A | Import duty is 0% for raw wool |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5101.11.00 |
0% | Phytosanitary Cert | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5101.11.00 |
0% | N/A | Free trade agreement benefits |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the 25% additional tariff on certain greasy wool.
- EU and Australia have no additional tariffs on raw wool.
- Accurate fineness declaration is the single most important factor for cost optimization in the US market.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Reporting "Greasy Wool" without specifying "Shorn" vs. "Fleece-Washed"
π Consequence: Customs may apply the higher 25% rate by default.
β Mistake 2: Misreporting Micron Count (e.g., claiming 46s when it is 40s)
π Consequence: Penalty for false declaration + back taxes + potential seizure.
β Mistake 3: Mixing Shorn and Fleece-Washed Wool in One Shipment
π Consequence: Customs may tax the entire shipment at the highest applicable rate (25%).
β Correct Practice:
"Shorn Wool, Greasy, Not Finer than 46s, Micron Count: 24ΞΌ, Lot No.: XXX, Fumigated"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "Shorn 46s is Free, Greasy 40s is 25%!"
πΉ "Micron Count is King, Misreporting is Costly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your wool is shorn and not finer than 46s, you are in luckβ0% duty!
If it is fleece-washed or not finer than 40s, prepare for 25% additional tariff.
Recommendation:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to verify micron counts and apply for Advance Rulings if possible.
π Optimize your supply chain by separating shorn and fleece-washed wool to minimize tax liability.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Duties is Pure Profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.