Flocked Fabric
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5801360020 | 27.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5801902090 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Flocked Fabric (Self-Adhesive Flocked Fabric)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Expert-Level Import Strategy
π One Product, Four Possible HS Codes β Know Which One Applies to You!
π¦ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is Flocked Fabric?
Flocked fabric is a textile with a soft, velvety surface created by embedding short fibers (often synthetic) into a base material using adhesive. When self-adhesive, the fabric has a sticky backing β typically a plastic film or adhesive-coated synthetic layer β allowing it to be applied directly to surfaces without sewing or gluing.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the base is textile (e.g., polyester, nylon) β Likely textile classification
- If the base is plastic/synthetic film β May fall under plastic or adhesive product categories
- Self-adhesive property is the key differentiator β it triggers higher tariffs under U.S. trade laws
π 2. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Official Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Reason | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
5801.36.00.20 |
Synthetic fiber flocked fabric (other), self-adhesive | Classified as chemically processed textile with pile structure; fits "other" category under snowflake (chenille) fabric | 27.3% |
5801.90.20.90 |
Woven looped pile fabric (other), not specified | No specific fiber type mentioned β falls under "other" textile category; lacks defined material | 37.7% |
3919.90.50.60 |
Self-adhesive plasticεΆε (other), not specified | Due to self-adhesive property and possible plastic film base, it qualifies as a self-adhesive plastic product | 40.8% |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive flat tape or strip made of plastic/synthetic | Shape: flat, flexible, adhesive-backed β fits plastic adhesive tape definition | 40.8% |
β Key Insight:
The same physical product can be classified under four different HS codes, depending on material composition, base layer, and interpretation of customs authorities.
π° 3. 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (With Full Legal & Policy Details)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive of all subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5801.36.00.20 β Synthetic Fiber Flocked Fabric (Other)
| Tax Item | Value | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 9.8% | U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +7.5% | From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Emergency Duty | +10% | Under International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) |
| Total Effective Rate | 27.3% | |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable | No de minimis relief for China-origin goods |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5801.36.00.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies when the flock is synthetic and the base is textile (e.g., polyester fabric with adhesive backing). - Despite being "textile," the self-adhesive feature triggers IEEPA 10% and USITC 7.5%. - No reduction even if the fabric is used for crafts or decorative purposes.
π― 2. 5801.90.20.90 β Woven Looped Pile Fabric (Other, Not Specified)
| Tax Item | Value | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.7% | HTSUS |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Emergency Duty | +10% | IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.7% | |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable | |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5801.90.20.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Used when material type is unspecified (e.g., "not known" or "mixed fiber"). - The 25% USITC duty is the highest among all four codes β due to broad coverage under Section 301. - High risk of audit if documentation doesnβt prove fiber type.
π― 3. 3919.90.50.60 β Self-Adhesive PlasticεΆε (Other)
| Tax Item | Value | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% | HTSUS |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Emergency Duty | +10% | IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.8% | |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable | |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3919.90.50.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Applies when the base is plastic film (e.g., PVC, PET) with adhesive layer. - Self-adhesive property + non-textile base = plastic product classification. - Highest tariff due to combined 25% USITC + 10% IEEPA.
π― 4. 3919.10.20.55 β Self-Adhesive Flat Tape (Plastic/Synthetic)
| Tax Item | Value | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% | HTSUS |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Emergency Duty | +10% | IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.8% | |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable | |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3919.10.20.55 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Applies when the product is flat, flexible, adhesive-backed, and not a traditional textile. - Even if it looks like fabric, if it's plastic-based and tape-like, itβs treated as adhesive tape. - Most aggressive classification β used by U.S. Customs to maximize tariff revenue.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays & Penalties)
β 1. Essential Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: base material (textile vs. plastic), fiber type, adhesive type |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Proves composition; prevents misclassification |
| β Product Photos (Clear, Labelled) | βοΈ | Show adhesive backing, thickness, texture |
| β Third-Party Lab Test Report | βοΈ | Confirm fiber type (e.g., PET, polyester, nylon) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must include exact product name: "Self-Adhesive Flocked Fabric, Plastic Base, 100% Synthetic" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff eligibility |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Shows roll size, weight, quantity |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌCritical Rules of ThumbοΌ
π₯ βBase Material Rules β Textile vs. Plasticβ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Base = textile, flock = synthetic, adhesive on back | 5801.36.00.20 |
Wrongly reported as 3919.10.20.55 β +13.5% tax |
| Base = plastic film, adhesive-backed, flat | 3919.10.20.55 or 3919.90.50.60 |
Mistakenly reported as textile β +10.4% tax |
| Material type unknown | 5801.90.20.90 |
Leads to 37.7% β high risk of audit |
| Product is tape-like, even if "fabric-like" | 3919.10.20.55 |
Often misclassified as textile |
π Golden Rule:
βIf it sticks like tape, and is flat and plastic-based β itβs a tape, not a fabric.β
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Mixed material (e.g., textile + plastic film) | Apply material-by-material analysis; use dominant component rule |
| Custom-made for decoration or crafts | Still subject to full tariffs β no exemption |
| Used in automotive or medical applications | Can apply for special use exemption (requires FDA/FTC approval) |
| Sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico/Thailand | Apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff if origin is not China |
π 5. Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Duties | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States (China origin) | 3919.10.20.55 |
5.8% | +25% +10% | 40.8% |
| π¨π³ China | 5801.36.00.20 |
5% | None | 5% |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 5801.36.00.20 |
0% (if CE compliant) | None | 0% |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3919.10.20.55 |
5% | None | 5% |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3919.10.20.55 |
0% | None | 0% |
π Insight:
- U.S. is the only market imposing 40.8%+ tariffs on self-adhesive flocked fabric. - China, EU, Japan, Australia offer much lower or zero tariffs β consider shifting origin.
π¨ 6. Common Mistakes & Costly Pitfalls (Real-World Examples)
β Mistake 1: Reporting "flocked fabric" without specifying base material
π Result: Customs assigns 5801.90.20.90 β 37.7% instead of 27.3% β +10.4% tax
β Mistake 2: Treating plastic-based flocked fabric as textile
π Result: Misclassified as 5801.36.00.20 β 27.3% instead of 40.8% β Underpaid duties β penalties + interest
β Mistake 3: Using generic name like "flock tape" or "velvet tape"
π Result: Customs interprets as adhesive tape β 40.8% β no appeal possible
β Mistake 4: Not providing lab reports or material proof
π Result: Customs seizes shipment or refuses clearance
β Correct Approach:
"Self-Adhesive Flocked Fabric, 30cm x 10m, PET Film Base, 100% Polyester Flock, Adhesive Backing, Non-Textile, Not for Apparel"
π― 7. Final Verdict: How to Minimize Tariff Risk
π― Key Strategy:
πΉ Know your base material β is it textile or plastic?
πΉ Use precise product description β no vague terms
πΉ Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) if uncertain
πΉ Shift origin to Vietnam/Mexico to avoid IEEPA/USITC tariffs
πΉ Use lab reports to prove material composition
π Summary Table: HS Code & Tax Comparison
| HS Code | Classification | Base Duty | USITC | IEEPA | Total Tax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5801.36.00.20 |
Synthetic Flocked Fabric (Textile) | 9.8% | +7.5% | +10% | 27.3% | Textile base, known fiber |
5801.90.20.90 |
Other Woven Pile Fabric | 2.7% | +25.0% | +10% | 37.7% | Unknown material |
3919.90.50.60 |
Self-Adhesive PlasticεΆε | 5.8% | +25.0% | +10% | 40.8% | Plastic film base |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-Adhesive Plastic Tape | 5.8% | +25.0% | +10% | 40.8% | Flat, tape-like, plastic-based |
π Bottom Line:
The highest tariff (40.8%) applies to plastic-based, self-adhesive, tape-like flocked fabric.
The lowest (27.3%) applies to textile-based flocked fabric with known synthetic fibers.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Product Classification Expert
π Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) before shipment
π Use lab testing + material proof to secure the lowest possible tariff
β¨ Pro Tip:
"If itβs not textile, donβt call it fabric β call it tape, film, or adhesive product."
Your HS code is not a name β itβs a legal classification.
πΌ Your Product. Your Risk. Your Tax.
β
Get it right the first time β avoid delays, penalties, and profit loss.
π’ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate HS Code Classification!
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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.