Medical Fabric 4 Ply
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6307906010 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307906800 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Surgical Drapes & Linens (4-Ply Medical Fabric Products)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "4-Ply Medical Fabric"?
In the medical supply chain, "Medical Fabric" often refers to non-woven or spun-laced materials used in sterile environments. When specified as "4 Ply," it typically denotes the thickness, layering, or absorbency structure of the material, commonly used for Surgical Drapes or Perineal Towels.
The classification depends strictly on the material composition and manufacturing process: 1. Paper-Based: Fabric formed on a base of paper or covered/lined with paper. 2. Non-Woven/Spunlaced: Man-made fibers bonded or spun-laced (common for disposable surgical drapes).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is a Surgical Drape made of paper-based fabric β Classify under 6307.90.60.10
- If the product is a Surgical Drape made of man-made fiber (spunlaced/bonded) β Classify under 6307.90.68.00
- Do NOT classify as general textile (Chapter 60/62) if it is explicitly a "made-up article" for surgical use.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Structure | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
6307.90.60.10 |
Other made up articles: Surgical drapes: Of fabric formed on a base of paper or covered or lined with paper Perineal towels | Paper-based composite | High absorbency, often used for heavy fluid retention, lined/covered with paper backing. |
6307.90.68.00 |
Other made up articles: Surgical drapes: Other: Spunlaced or bonded fiber fabric disposable surgical drapes of man-made fibers | Man-made fibers (Spunlaced/Bonded) | Disposable, breathable, non-woven (e.g., SMS fabric), commonly used in ORs. |
π Focus Note:
- The term "4 Ply" usually describes the thickness or layer count of the non-woven fabric (e.g., Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond + extra layer).
- If the fabric is not paper-based and consists of man-made fibers (polypropylene/polyester), it falls under 6307.90.68.00.
- If it is explicitly a perineal towel or has a paper base/lining, it falls under 6307.90.60.10.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current regulations (as per 2025/2026 trade rules)
π― 1. 6307.90.60.10 ββ Surgical Drapes (Paper-Based/Perineal Towels)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable (These are specific made-up articles, usually subject to standard entry) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6307.90.60.10 β Section 301: 7.5% surcharge |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate 0%: Most surgical drapes enjoy a low base duty under HTSUS 6307.90.
- 7.5% Surcharge: This is the standard Section 301 additional duty for many textile/made-up articles from China.
- No Complex IEEPA: Unlike electronics or solar cells, these medical fabrics typically do not carry the higher IEEPA 10% penalty unless specifically listed.
π― 2. 6307.90.68.00 ββ Disposable Surgical Drapes (Man-Made Fiber/Spunlaced)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6307.90.68.00 β Section 301: 7.5% surcharge |
π Note:
- Even though these are "man-made fibers" (often perceived as higher tech), the tariff rate remains 7.5% for China-origin goods.
- Spunlaced or Bonded fabrics are explicitly covered here. Do not confuse with plain woven cloth (which may have different rates).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Surgical Drape," "4 Ply," "Disposable," and Material Composition (e.g., "100% Polypropylene Spunlaced" or "Paper-based composite"). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Critical to distinguish between Paper-based (6307.90.60.10) and Man-made Fiber (6307.90.68.00). Misdeclaration leads to penalties. |
| β Sterility Certificate | βοΈ | If marketed as sterile, provide ISO 11607 or EO sterilization proof. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must include: "Surgical Drapes, 4 Ply, Disposable, Made in China." |
| β FDA Registration (If Applicable) | βοΈ | For Class I or Class II medical devices, ensure FDA device listing is active. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Check the Base: Paper vs. Fiber, 60 vs. 68, 7.5% is the Fee!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-based or Perineal Towel | 6307.90.60.10 |
Overpayment if misclassified as generic textile (higher rate). |
| Disposable Non-Woven (PP/PE) | 6307.90.68.00 |
Underpayment risk if classified as 6006 (woven fabric) which may have 0% but no Section 301? No, Section 301 applies to 6307. Safe route is 6307.90.68.00. |
| Re-usable Linen (Cotton) | NOT INCLUDED in DATA | Would fall under Chapter 63.99 or 6302. Do not use 6307.90 for reusable cotton drapes. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "4 Ply" Ambiguity | If the supplier says "4 Ply" but doesn't specify material, request a lab test report. If it's SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond), it's 6307.90.68.00. |
| Mixed Containers | If a container has both paper-based and non-woven drapes, separate HS Codes must be declared. Do not mix under one code. |
| FDA Exemptions | Some simple non-sterile drapes may be exempt from 510(k) but still require Device Listing. Ensure compliance to avoid CBP/FDA hold. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6307.90.68.00 / 6307.90.60.10 |
7.5% (Base 0%) | FDA, OEKO-TEX | Section 301 applies. |
| π¨π³ China | 6307.90.68.00 |
8% - 10% | CE (if exported back) | Import duty varies by specific sub-item. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6307.90.90 |
0% - 4% | CE, ISO 13485 | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6307.90.90 |
0% - 4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: The 7.5% Section 301 tariff is the main cost driver.
- EU/UK: Much lower tariffs, but stricter CE/UKCA medical device compliance is required.
- China: Higher import duty but no additional political tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying "4-Ply Non-Woven" as 6002.49 (Woven Fabric)
π Consequence: If classified as woven, it might escape Section 301, but if CBP proves it's a "made-up article" (sewn drapes), they will reassess to 6307.90.68.00 + 7.5% + Penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Paper Base" in 6307.90.60.10
π Consequence: If the product is actually paper-based but declared as non-woven, you may be underpaying if paper-based has different duty structures, or triggering FDA scrutiny for mislabeled material.
β Error 3: Claiming "Medical Device" exemption for non-regulated items
π Consequence: CBP may flag for FDA compliance. If it's a simple cloth drape, ensure it's not mislabeled as a "sterile surgical implant."
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Disposable Surgical Drapes, 4-Ply, Spunlaced Polypropylene, Non-Woven, Sterile, For Hospital Use, Made in China" β 6307.90.68.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Paper Base = 60.10, Non-Woven Fiber = 68.00"
πΉ "Base Tax 0%, Section 301 7.5%, Total 7.5% for China"
πΉ "Material Declaration is King β Get Lab Reports!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider Applying for an HTSUS Exclusion under Section 301 if available for medical supplies (though rare for general drapes, check latest USTR lists).
Also, ensure your FDA Establishment Registration is updated to avoid FDA-CBP joint inspections.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm material composition with supplier (Paper vs. PP/PE).
π Prepare Certificate of Analysis for "4-Ply" structure.
π Declare under 6307.90.68.00 (most common for 4-ply non-woven) or 6307.90.60.10 (if paper-based).
β¨ Professional Clearance, Start with Accurate Codes!
πΌ Your Medical Supply Chain Should Be Clean, Compliant, and Cost-Effective!
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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.