Modal Sports Fabric
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5408229030 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5408229060 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407309000 | 43.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407912090 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6004100085 | 47.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Modal Sports Fabric (Moisture-Wicking Textile)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Modal"?
Modal, a type of rayon made from beech tree pulp, is a semi-synthetic fiber known for its exceptional softness, high absorbency, and moisture-wicking properties. In international trade, it is classified as a Man-Made Filament Fabric. Depending on its manufacturing process (woven vs. knitted) and specific fiber composition classification, it falls into different HS Code categories, leading to varying tariff structures.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified as a Woven Fabric (often categorized under "Other Woven Fabrics of Synthetic Filaments"), it may attract lower base duties (e.g., 8.0%).
- If classified as a Knitted Fabric or specific "Shoe Upper Material," base duties can be higher (e.g., 12.3% - 14.9%).
- All categories are subject to significant US Trade War Surcharges (Section 301 & 122).
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Base Duty | Additional Surcharge | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5407.30.90.00 |
Other woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarns (Modal considered synthetic) | High-performance sports wear, standard woven modal fabrics | 8.0% | +25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) | 43.0% |
6004.10.00.85 |
Knitted fabrics, width > 30cm, of man-made filaments | Knitted sports apparel, stretch fabrics, athletic tops | 12.3% | +25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) | 47.3% |
5408.22.90.30 |
Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarns (Specified for Shoe Uppers) | Footwear lining, shoe uppers, accessories | 14.9% | +25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) | 49.9% |
5408.22.90.60 |
Other woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarns (General Modal) | General purpose modal woven fabric | 14.9% | +25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) | 49.9% |
5407.91.20.90 |
Other woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarns (General Category) | Broad category for synthetic woven modal | 14.9% | +25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) | 49.9% |
π Key Insight:
- The lowest tax burden is achieved by classifying Modal as a standard Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filaments under5407.30.90.00, resulting in a 43.0% total rate.
- Classifying it as Knitted (6004.10.00.85) or for Shoe Uppers (5408.22.90.30) increases the base duty, pushing the total to 47.3% or 49.9%.
- Crucial Note: All these codes carry a 10% Section 122 Tariff and a 25% Section 301 Surcharge, regardless of the base rate.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Continuous (Section 301) + Nov 2025 Onwards (Section 122)
π― 1. 5407.30.90.00 ββ Best Case Scenario (Woven Synthetic Filament)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 8.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301, HTSUS Footnote) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Section 122, Targeting Chinese Textiles/Apparel components) |
| Total Rate | 43.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 43% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny de minimis for these HS codes) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5407.30.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification for woven modal fabrics.
- The 25% surcharge is permanent under current US trade policy.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a new addition targeting specific textile inputs from China.
π― 2. 6004.10.00.85 ββ Knitted Sports Fabric
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 12.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 47.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 47.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6004.10.00.85 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- Modal is often knitted for sports apparel due to stretch properties.
- The higher base duty (12.3%) makes knitted modal 4.3% more expensive in tariffs than woven modal under this specific code.
π― 3. 5408.22.90.30 / 5408.22.90.60 / 5407.91.20.90 ββ Higher Base Duty Categories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 14.9% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 49.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5408.22.90.30/60 / 5407.91.20.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- These codes apply if the fabric is deemed "Other Woven Fabrics" or specifically for Shoe Uppers.
- This is the highest tariff bracket for Modal fabrics in this dataset.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Fiber content (e.g., "100% Modal" or "Modal/Cotton Blend"), Weave/Knit structure, Width, GSM. |
| β Fiber Composition Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party lab report confirming "Man-Made Filament" vs. "Staple Fiber". Critical for HS Code determination. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of the fabric texture (woven vs. knitted) and labeling. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Modal Fabric for Sports Apparel" or "Shoe Upper Material". Avoid vague terms like "Textile". |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for proving Chinese origin to apply correct surcharges. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed weight and dimensions. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Know the Weave, Pay Less: Woven 43%, Knit 47%, Shoe 50%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Woven Modal (Standard) | Use 5407.30.90.00 |
Misdeclare as 5408 β Save nothing, risk penalty. |
| Knitted Modal (Stretchy) | Use 6004.10.00.85 |
Misdeclare as Woven β Incorrect classification. |
| Shoe Upper Material | Use 5408.22.90.30 |
Use general woven code β Possible audit if end-use is specific. |
| Blended Fabrics | Declare exact fiber % | "Modal-like" β Rejection. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Modal-Cotton Blend | If Cotton > 50%, may shift to Chapter 52 (Cotton), changing HS Code entirely. Consult expert. |
| Finished Garments | If importing made-up sports shirts, HS Code changes to Chapter 61/62 (Apparel), with different rates. Do not use Fabric codes for garments. |
| Small Samples (De Minimis) | β Do Not Use Section 321 (De Minimis) for Modal from China. It is explicitly denied for these HS codes due to Section 122/301. |
π Five, Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5407.30.90.00 |
43.0% | None specific, but origin proof critical | Highest tax due to Section 301 + 122. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5407.30.90 |
~4-6% | REACH, OEKO-TEX | No Section 301/122 surcharges. Much cheaper. |
| π¨π³ China | 5407.30.90.00 |
0% (Export) | N/A | Export duty is 0%. Import duty varies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 5407.30.90 |
~4-6% | UKCA (if finished goods) | Post-Brexit tariff follows similar structure to EU. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 5407.30.90 |
~0-5% | None | CUSMA agreement may offer zero duty for qualifying goods. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is significantly more expensive for Modal fabric imports from China due to layered surcharges.
- Exporters should consider routing through Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia) if possible, to potentially avoid Chinese origin surcharges (requires substantial transformation).
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Knitted Modal as Woven (5407 instead of 6004)
π Consequence: Incorrect HS Code, potential fines, and delayed clearance. Even if taxes were similar, the classification error is serious.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underpaying taxes. The 10% Section 122 tariff is new and often overlooked. Total liability is higher than old estimates.
β Mistake 3: Using "De Minimis" (Section 321) for Modal Shipments
π Consequence: Shipment Blocked. Section 122 explicitly denies de minimis for these textile imports from China. Plan for full formal entry.
β Mistake 4: Vague Description: "Modal Fabric"
π Consequence: Customs request additional info, causing delays. Always specify "Woven/Knitted" and "Filament/Staple".
β Correct Practice:
"Woven Fabric, 100% Man-Made Filament (Modal), Width 150cm, GSM 120, For Sports Apparel"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Woven 43, Knit 47, Shoe 50. Section 122 hits hard, De Minimis is gone!"
πΉ "Accurate Fiber Classification saves thousands. Don't guess the HS Code."
π Pro Tip:
If your Modal fabric is not of Chinese origin (e.g., sourced from Indonesia, Brazil), you may qualify for lower or zero Section 301/122 surcharges.
π Action: Verify the Country of Origin of the fiber manufacturing. If non-China, claim preferential treatment where applicable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker before shipment.
π Provide fiber test reports and clear product descriptions.
π Ensure smooth customs clearance and protect your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tariff is worth calculating accurately!
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.