Modal Fiber Sliver
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5501900100 | 42.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5501190000 | 42.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5506900100 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5506200000 | 40.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5503909000 | 39.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5503200025 | 14.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Modal Fiber Sliver
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Modal Fiber Sliver"?
Modal fiber sliver refers to semi-processed synthetic staple fibers made from viscose (regenerated cellulose), specifically carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning. It is not yet woven or knitted into fabric β itβs a pre-spinning intermediate material used in textile manufacturing.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the fiber is not carded, combed, or processed for spinning β falls under 5503 (raw or unprocessed modal)
- If it is processed for spinning (carded, combed, or sliver-form) β falls under 5506 (processed staple fibers for spinning)β Modal fiber sliver is not the same as: - Yarn (which is spun β HS 5205, 5402, etc.) - Fabric (HS 5208, 5407, etc.) - Raw viscose staple fiber (HS 5503)
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Breakdown)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Processed for Spinning? |
|---|---|---|---|
5506.90.01.00 |
Synthetic staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: Other | General modal fiber sliver, not of polyester, not specified elsewhere | β Yes |
5506.20.00.00 |
Synthetic staple fibers, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: Of polyesters | β Not applicable β modal is not polyester | β No |
5503.90.90.00 |
Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: Other: Other | Raw modal fiber (not processed), bulk form | β No |
5503.20.00.25 |
Synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: Of polyesters: Measuring less than 3.3 decitex | β Not applicable β modal is not polyester, and this is for ultra-fine polyester | β No |
5501.90.01.00 |
Synthetic filament tow: Other | β Not applicable β filament tow is continuous filament, not staple fiber sliver | β No |
5501.19.00.00 |
Synthetic filament tow: Of nylon or other polyamides: Other | β Not applicable β modal is not nylon or polyamide | β No |
π Critical Takeaway:
β Modal fiber sliver = Carded/Combed/Processed Staple Fiber β Must be classified under5506.90.01.00
β Do NOT use5506.20.00.00(polyester) or any other code β this is a common mistake!
π° Three, 2026 Updated Tariff Rate Analysis (Withιε Taxes & Policy Details)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive)
π― 1. 5506.90.01.00 β Synthetic Staple Fibers (Modal), Processed for Spinning: Other
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% (not subject to Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% (not listed under IEEPA sanctions) |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% β No duty payable |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes β 8% de minimis applies (if value β€ $800, no duty) |
| Legal Basis Path | HS 5506.90.01.00 β No Footnote 9903.88.01 β Noιε tax |
π Explanation:
- Modal fiber sliver is not listed under Section 301 (USITC) or IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act). - It is not classified as a polyester β no 25% Section 301 tariff. - No additional tariffs apply β 0% total duty. - This is a major advantage over polyester fibers (which face 25%+ tariffs).
π― 2. 5503.90.90.00 β Unprocessed Synthetic Staple Fibers (Modal), Not for Spinning
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | HS 5503.90.90.00 β Noιε tax |
π Note:
- If your modal fiber is not carded or processed, and shipped in raw bales, this code applies. - Still 0% duty, but must not be processed β otherwise, misclassification risk.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Modal Fiber Sliver, Carded, Combed, for Spinning" |
| β Fiber Test Report (e.g., length, fineness, moisture) | βοΈ | Proves itβs processed staple fiber |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Modal Fiber Sliver, Carded, HS 5506.90.01.00" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Shows bale weight, count, packaging type |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For duty eligibility (if under USMCA, etc.) |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | If required by EPA or customs |
| β Sample (if requested) | βοΈ | For physical verification |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules to Remember)
π₯ "Sliver = Processed = 5506.90.01.00 | Raw = 5503.90.90.00 | Not Polyester = No 25%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Carded modal fiber sliver | 5506.90.01.00 |
5506.20.00.00 (polyester) |
| Raw modal fiber in bales | 5503.90.90.00 |
5506.90.01.00 (over-processed) |
| Modal fiber + cotton blend | 5506.90.01.00 |
5506.30.00.00 (if not blended) |
| Modal filament tow | 5501.90.01.00 |
5506.90.01.00 (wrong fiber type) |
π Warning:
- Using5506.20.00.00(polyester) for modal = misclassification β penalties, audits, seizure risk. - Even if modal is blended, if itβs staple fiber processed for spinning, still5506.90.01.00.
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Modal fiber sliver from Vietnam/Mexico | Can qualify for IEEPA exemption β 0% duty |
| Modal fiber sliver with additives (e.g., antimicrobial) | Still 5506.90.01.00 β as long as processed for spinning |
| Modal fiber sliver used in eco-textiles | No special code β still 5506.90.01.00 |
| High-value shipment (>$800) | Use de minimis if under $800 β 0% duty |
| Customs audit or request | Provide fiber test report + processing photos |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Updated)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 5506.90.01.00 |
0.0% | None (FCC not required) | Noιε tax |
| π¨π³ China | 5506.90.01.00 |
5.0% | CCC (if applicable) | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 5506.90.01.00 |
0.0% | CE, REACH | Noιε tax |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5506.90.01.00 |
5.0% | RCM | Noιε tax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 5506.90.01.00 |
0.0% | PSE | Noιε tax |
π Conclusion:
- The U.S. is the only major market with zero duty on modal fiber sliver (if properly classified). - No Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs apply β a rare win for textile importers.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Errors!)
β Mistake 1: Using 5506.20.00.00 (polyester) for modal fiber sliver
π Result: 25% Section 301 tariff + penalties β $250,000+ in extra cost
β
Fix: Use 5506.90.01.00 β modal is not polyester
β Mistake 2: Declaring raw modal fiber as "processed" to get lower rate
π Result: Misclassification β seizure, fines, reputational damage
β
Fix: Only use 5506.90.01.00 if truly carded/combed
β Mistake 3: Not providing fiber test reports
π Result: Customs may delay release or request samples
β
Fix: Always include test report + processing proof
β Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "textile fiber" or "viscose"
π Result: Risk of incorrect classification
β
Fix: Use exact phrase:
"Modal Fiber Sliver, Carded, Combed, for Spinning, HS 5506.90.01.00"
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Classify Right, Pay Nothing, Ship Fast!
π― Golden Rule:
πΉ "Sliver = Processed = 5506.90.01.00"
πΉ "Not polyester = No 25% tariff"
πΉ "0% duty in U.S. β if classified correctly!"
π Pro Tip:
β Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Clearance) with U.S. Customs if youβre shipping large volumes.
β Use a certified textile customs broker β they know the difference between modal, polyester, and viscose.
π£ Take Action Now!
π Contact a textile-specific customs broker
π Submit product specs, photos, and test reports
π Get your HS Code pre-approved β avoid delays, penalties, and surprise tariffs!
β¨ Professional Customs Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your modal fiber sliver deserves zero duty β and zero risk!
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.