Raw Wool (Unwashed)

🐑 Raw Wool (Unwashed) | Greasy Shorn Wool

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Raw Wool"?

Raw Wool (Unwashed), specifically Greasy Shorn Wool, refers to wool that has been shorn from sheep but has not been washed, scoured, or mechanically cleaned. It still contains natural impurities such as suint (dried sweat), sweat salts, grease (lanolin), dirt, and vegetable matter (burrs/seeds).

In international trade, classification depends heavily on two factors: 1. Fineness: Measured in "S" count (micron diameter). 2. Condition: "Unimproved" means it has not been washed, bleached, or carbonized.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Greasy/Shorn Wool (Contains lanolin/dirt) → Classify under 5101.
- Washed/Scoured Wool (Cleaned) → Classify under 5102.
- Carded/Combed Wool (Processed fiber) → Classify under 5103.

This guide strictly covers "Raw/Greasy" wool as per your request.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)

Based on the provided data, there are two distinct HS Codes for raw, greasy, shorn wool, differentiated by fiber fineness.

🔍 Key Insight:
- "40s" and "44s" refer to the Worsted Count System, an older but still used metric for wool fineness in certain markets (like the US/UK).
- Higher "S" number = Finer Wool.
- Not finer than 40s means coarser wool (thicker fibers).
- Finer than 40s but not finer than 44s means medium-fine wool.
- Both codes specify "Unimproved" → This means the wool is not washed, bleached, or treated. If it were washed, it would fall under a different heading.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from the 25% surtax data typical of US-China trade)
✅ Effective Date: Current US Trade Policy (Section 301 Tariffs)

🎯 1. 5101.11.20.00 – Greasy Shorn Wool, Not Finer Than 40s

📌 Explanation:
- This category represents coarser raw wool.
- Currently, under US trade policy, this specific subheading does NOT carry the 25% Section 301 surtax.
- Result: Zero duty cost for importers. This makes raw, coarse wool a tax-free entry point into the US.

🎯 2. 5101.11.40.00 – Greasy Shorn Wool, Finer Than 40s but Not Finer Than 44s

📌 Explanation:
- This category represents medium-fine raw wool.
- Under current US trade tensions (Section 301), medium-fine raw wool from China is subject to a 25% additional duty.
- Result: High import cost. Importers must budget for a 25% surcharge on top of the CIF value.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

🔍 Key Tip:
- Do NOT use vague terms like "Wool" or "Animal Hair." Use precise descriptions: "Raw Greasy Shorn Wool, Unimproved, Fineness: 42s (approx. 24 microns)."
- Fineness Proof: Customs officers may request a lab report to confirm whether the wool is "not finer than 40s" or "finer than 40s." Misclassification can lead to audits and back-taxes.

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)

🔥 "Be Specific on Fineness, Declare Greasy, Not Scoured!"

📌 Warning:
- Never claim "Washed" if it is "Greasy." Greasy wool has a different scent, appearance, and chemical composition (lanolin content). Customs can test for lanolin content. If you declare "washed" but it’s greasy, you risk penalties. - Fineness is the Tax Driver: The jump from 0% to 25% hinges entirely on whether the wool is finer than 40s. Invest in accurate testing.

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the 25% bifurcation based on fineness.
- EU/UK/Australia apply standard MFN rates (typically ~4-5%) and do not have the aggressive surtaxes on raw wool.
- Cost-Saving Strategy: If possible, source coarser wool (>40s) for the US market to enjoy 0% duty. Medium-fine wool incurs a heavy 25% penalty from China.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Greasy Wool" as "Scoured Wool" to avoid surtax.
👉 Consequence: Customs lab test reveals lanolin. Penalty + Back Taxes + Seizure.

❌ Error 2: Using "Wool" as a generic description on the Invoice.
👉 Consequence: Customs may apply the highest default duty rate or delay clearance for classification review.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring Fineness Certification.
👉 Consequence: If you declare 5101.11.20.00 (0%) but customs tests it as 42s (finer), you owe 25% back-taxes + interest.

❌ Error 4: Mixed Fineness in One Bill of Lading.
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify the entire shipment under the higher-tax HS code if not clearly segregated.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Greasy Shorn Wool, Unimproved, Fineness: 44s (23 microns), Origin: China, Bale Weight: 170kg, Net Weight: 165kg"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Risk-Free Import!

🎯 Remember the Mantras:

🔹 "Greasy vs. Scoured: Declare Accurately!"
🔹 "Fineness is King: 40s is the Tax Line!"
🔹 "Coarse is Free (0%), Fine is Expensive (25%)!"

🔹 "Test Your Wool Before You Ship!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wool fineness is borderline (e.g., 40s-42s), consider pre-import testing and Advance Ruling from US CBP if the shipment value is high. This protects you from unexpected 25% surcharges.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Lab Test Report + Apply for HS Code Confirmation
🚀 Ensure Your Raw Wool Enters the US Smoothly, Tax-Optimized, and Audit-Proof!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Your Cost Savings Are Hidden in the Micron Count!