Modal Staple Fiber Woven Fabric for Garments
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5408312020 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407922010 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407912010 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407922010 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5407922010 | 49.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧡠Modal Staple Fiber Woven Fabric (Garments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Modal Woven Fabric"?
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose (usually beech trees), classified as a Man-Made Fiber (Regenerated Fiber). When woven into fabric for garments, it falls under Chapter 54 of the Harmonized System (HS).
In international trade, the key distinction lies in the fiber structure: * Staple Fiber (Short Fiber): Cut fibers spun into yarn β Classified under 5408 (Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn). * Filament/Continuous Fiber: Long, continuous strands β Classified under 5407 (Woven fabrics of synthetic or artificial filament yarn).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the fabric is made from staple/modal short fiber β Go to 5408 series.
- If the fabric is made from modal filament (even if described as "modal woven") β Go to 5407 series.
- Note: In practice, "Modal Staple Fiber" explicitly points to 5408, while generic "Modal Woven Fabric" often defaults to 5407 due to common filament processing. The data provided below covers both scenarios based on specific descriptions.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material State | Form | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5408.31.20.20 |
Woven fabric of man-made staple fibers (Garments) | Man-made Fiber (Staple) | Woven | Modal staple fiber woven fabric for clothing. |
5407.92.20.10 |
Woven fabric of man-made filament yarn (Garments) | Modal (Regenerated/Synthetic Fiber) | Woven | Modal woven fabric for clothing (Filament nature). |
5407.91.20.10 |
Woven fabric of man-made filament yarn (Garments) | Modal (Regenerated Fiber) | Woven | Modal woven fabric for clothing (General regenerated fiber). |
5407.92.20.10 |
Woven fabric of man-made filament yarn (Garments) | Modal (Man-made Fiber) | Woven | Modal woven fabric for clothing (No conflict). |
5407.92.20.10 |
Woven fabric of man-made staple fibers (Blended) | Modal (Man-made Fiber) | Woven | Modal staple fiber blended woven fabric. |
π Key Reminder:
- Although Modal is a "Regenerated Cellulose Fiber," customs often classify it under Chapter 54 (Chemical Fibers) depending on the specific processing method (Staple vs. Filament).
- Staple Fiber (cut fibers) β 5408.
- Filament/Long Fiber β 5407.
- Blended Fabrics (Modal + Cotton/Polyester) β Often fall under 5407.92.20.10 if processed as filament, or similar 5408 codes if staple.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5408.31.20.20 β Woven Fabric of Man-Made Staple Fibers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 49.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High-value textile imports typically excluded) |
| Legal Path | USITC Base β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 Provision |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 14.9%": Standard MFN rate for man-made staple fiber woven fabrics.
- "Section 301 Surcharge 25%": Imposed under the Trade Act of 1974, Section 301, targeting specific Chinese imports.
- "Section 122 Tariff 10%": Additional tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (often used for national security or emergency imports).
- Total 49.9%: This is a very high tariff burden. Importers must plan for significant cost increases.
π― 2. 5407.92.20.10 β Woven Fabric of Man-Made Filament (Modal/Regenerated)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 49.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC Base β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 Provision |
π Note:
- Same tariff structure as staple fiber fabrics.
- Applies to Modal filament, Modal blends, and Regenerated fiber woven fabrics for garments.
- Even though Modal is "eco-friendly" and "natural-origin," US customs treats it as a man-made/chemical fiber for tariff purposes.
π― 3. 5407.91.20.10 β Woven Fabric of Other Man-Made Filament
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 14.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 49.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 49.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC Base β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 Provision |
π Explanation:
- Covers general regenerated fiber fabrics (including Modal) where specific sub-codes may not apply.
- Same 49.9% total rate applies.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Fabric Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Must specify: Modal %, Other Fiber %, Staple vs. Filament status. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include weight (gsm), weave type, width, end-use (Garments). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Woven Fabric for Garments" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail roll lengths, weights, and dimensions. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Prove Chinese origin (triggers 49.9% tariffs). |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Fiber content test (e.g., SGS, Intertek) to confirm Modal classification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Staple goes to 5408, Filament goes to 5407. Name precisely, avoid fines!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Modal Staple Fiber Fabric | 5408.31.20.20Desc: "Woven fabric of man-made staple fibers" |
Misdeclare as "Cotton Fabric" β Risk of penalty. |
| Modal Filament Fabric | 5407.92.20.10Desc: "Woven fabric of man-made filament yarn" |
Misdeclare as "Natural Fiber" β 49.9% tariff still applies, but wrong code causes delays. |
| Modal-Cotton Blend | 5407.92.20.10 (if synthetic majority) or 5408 (if staple) |
Vague description "Modal Fabric" β Customs will query, causing delays. |
| Garment-Ready Fabric | Specify "For Garments" | No end-use specified β May be misclassified as industrial use. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments (Staple + Filament) | Split declarations if possible. Staple β 5408, Filament β 5407. Both at 49.9%, but correct classification avoids disputes. |
| Blended Fabrics | Provide detailed fiber breakdown. If Modal is the dominant fiber, classify under Modal codes. |
| Dyed/Printed Fabric | Ensure HS Code reflects final state. 5407/5408 cover dyed, printed, etc. No extra code needed unless special treatment. |
| Sample vs. Bulk | Small samples may qualify for de minimis, but bulk commercial shipments do not. Plan accordingly. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5408.31.20.20 / 5407.92.20.10 |
49.9% (14.9% + 25% + 10%) | No specific textile cert, but accurate fiber content proof required. | High tariff burden. Section 301 & 122 apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 5408.31.20.20 / 5407.92.20.10 |
5% - 10% (varies) | CCC (if applicable), GB standards. | Lower tariffs, but domestic trade rules apply. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5208.xx / 5513.xx (Different chapter) |
0% - 4% (depending on specific code) | REACH, Eco-label (optional). | EU classifies Modal differently (often Chapter 52/55). Do not use US HS codes for EU. |
| π¬π§ UK | 5208.xx / 5513.xx |
0% - 4% | UKCA marking (if applicable). | Post-Brexit, different classification. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 5408.31.00.00 / 5407.92.00.00 |
0% (if FTA applicable) | No special certs. | Check CUSMA eligibility. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to 49.9% total tariffs.
- EU/Canada have significantly lower or zero tariffs, but different HS codes apply.
- Never assume HS codes are universal. Modal in the US (Ch 54) may be classified differently in the EU.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Modal as "Cotton"
π Consequence: Fraud risk, heavy fines, and retroactive tariff application (49.9% + penalties).
β Error 2: Ignoring "Staple vs. Filament" distinction
π Consequence: Customs delays, potential reclassification, and incorrect tariff assessment.
β Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Fabric"
π Consequence: Customs query, shipment hold, and demurrage charges.
β Error 4: Assuming Modal is "Natural Fiber"
π Consequence: Wrong chapter classification (Chapter 52 vs. 54/55), leading to audit triggers.
β Correct Practice:
"Woven Fabric, Modal Staple Fiber, 100% Modal, White, 150 GSM, For Garment Manufacturing"
OR
"Woven Fabric, Modal Filament, 80% Modal/20% Polyester, Dyed, 120 GSM, For Apparel"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Staple = 5408, Filament = 5407. Both at 49.9% in the US!"
πΉ "Accurate fiber description is key. Vague terms = Delays & Fines!"
πΉ "Modal is Man-Made, not Natural. Classify accordingly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Modal fabric is sourced from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Bangladesh, you may qualify for preferential tariffs or tariff exemptions under US trade agreements (like GSP if applicable, or general MFN without Section 301).
Recommendation:
π Consult a customs broker + Provide fiber test reports + Apply for Advance Ruling if possible.
π Ensure smooth clearance, minimize costs, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in international trade!
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.