🧶 Melton Fabric: The Ultimate Guide to Classification, Tariffs & Cleared Customs Strategy (2026)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Analysis | Professional Export Strategy

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Melton"?

Melton Fabric is a dense, heavy-duty, non-porous woolen fabric renowned for its wind resistance, water repellency, and smooth surface. Historically used for military coats (Greatcoats), equestrian wear, and high-end winter outerwear, it is distinct from standard woolens because: 1. It is heavily fulled (shrunk) to the point where the fibers are tightly matted, eliminating the visible weave. 2. It is Sheared to create a velvet-like, smooth finish without nap (unlike Corduroy or Velour). 3. Composition: Traditionally 100% wool or fine animal hair, though modern variants may contain blends.

⚠️ Critical Customs Distinction:
- If the fabric is Woven (plain, twill, or satin weave) and fulled to the point of losing its weave structure → Chapter 51 (Wool). - If the fabric is Knitted (loops interlocked) → Chapter 60 (Note: Melton is almost exclusively Woven by definition; if it's knitted and feels like Melton, it is often misclassified). - Key Classification Logic: The primary determinant is the weight (g/m²) and the wool content percentage.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Tariff Data)

Based on the provided data, here is the precise breakdown for Melton fabrics, categorized by fiber content and weight.

🔍 Key Insight:
- Carded vs. Combed: Melton is most commonly produced from Carded Wool (5111). Combed wool (5112) implies a higher grade, smoother finish, and higher cost.
- Weight Matters: The split at 400 g/m² (for carded) and 270g/340g (for combed) is the most critical factor for HS code selection. - Exclusions: The provided data does not include "Long Pile" or "Terry" fabrics (HS 6001). If your "Melton" is actually a knitted pile fabric, it falls outside this specific dataset.

💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Tax Detail)

✅ Applicable Jurisdiction: China Import/Export (Based on provided tax data)
✅ Origin: General (Data reflects standard base rates)
✅ Status: ZERO TARIFF (Favorable Trade Condition)

🎯 All Listed HS Codes: 5111.19.60.60 / 5111.19.60.80 / 5112.19.95.40 / 5112.19.95.60

📌 Interpretation:
- Exceptional Advantage: Melton fabric enjoys 0% Duty. This makes it a highly competitive product for import into China or export if trading under free trade agreements (FTAs).
- No Hidden Costs: The dataset explicitly states "0.0%" for both Base and Additional tariffs, eliminating the risk of unexpected anti-dumping duties found in other categories.
- Cost Structure: Your landed cost will be CIF Value + 13% VAT + Freight/Insurance.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Risk Avoidance)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (The "Melton" Trap)

🔥 Golden Rule: "Fulled = Woven, Not Pile!"

⚠️ Special Warning:
- Do NOT declare "Pile fabrics" (6001) unless the fabric has a distinct, raised surface (nap/loft) typical of Terry or Fleece. Melton is defined by its smooth, non-pile surface achieved through heavy fullying. - If the wool content is less than 85% (e.g., 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic), it DOES NOT fit into the provided 5111/5112 codes and requires a different HS Code (likely 5500 series or 6001 series).

✅ 3. Tax & Duty Calculation Example

Scenario: Import 1,000 meters of Carded Wool Melton (450 g/m²) from a 0% duty partner country. - CIF Value: $5,000 - HS Code: 5111.19.60.80 - Duty: $0 (0%) - VAT: $5,000 × 13% = $650 - Total Landed Cost: $5,650

Scenario: Import Knitted "Pile" Fabric (Misidentified as Melton) - HS Code: 6001.92.00.40 - Duty: $0 (0% in dataset) - Note: While tax is also 0% in the provided dataset, the regulatory risk of misclassification (Woven vs. Knitted) is high.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)

📌 Conclusion: The provided data suggests a duty-free environment (likely China's internal or specific FTA context). Verify the destination country's specific rules as 0% is not universal globally.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Confusing "Sheared Wool" with "Pile Fabric".
👉 Result: Melton is smooth (Sheared), not fuzzy (Pile). Misclassifying as 6001 leads to regulatory rejection.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring the Weight Threshold.
👉 Result: Declaring 450g/m² fabric as 400g/m² category (.60 instead of .80) is fraud.

❌ Error 3: Assuming All Wool fabrics are 85%.
👉 Result: If the blend is 70% wool, it falls outside the provided 5111/5112 codes entirely.

✅ Correct Approach:

"Specify Wool % + Weight + Weave Type"
Example: "Woven Carded Wool Fabric, 90% Wool, 450g/m², Sheared Finish (Melton Style)"

🎯 VII. Summary & Action Plan

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Melton is a Woven Wool Fabric, classified under 5111 (Carded) or 5112 (Combed).
🔹 Weight is King: Split at 400g/m² (Carded) and 270/340g/m² (Combed).
🔹 Tax Rate: 0.0% Base Duty + 0% Surcharges (based on provided data).
🔹 Documentation: Must prove Fiber Content ≥85% and Weight.

📌 Pro Tip:
If your fabric is Knitted but looks like Melton, check 6001.92.00.40 (Man-made fibers) or 6001.99.90.00 (Other materials). The provided data for 5111/5112 only applies to Woven Wool/Fine Hair.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify the Weight (g/m²) and Wool Percentage before shipping.
📝 Declare: "Woven Wool Melton Fabric, [Weight] g/m², [Wool %]" on Invoice.
🚀 Enjoy the 0% Duty and smooth clearance!

✨ Precision in Classification = Peace of Mind in Clearance!
💼 Your Melton Fabric is valuable—Protect it with the correct HS Code.