Raw Wool (Wool Grease)

🐑 Raw Wool (Greasy Wool / Wool Grease)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Understand "Raw Wool"?

Raw wool, specifically in its greasy state (often referred to as "Wool Grease" in trade contexts when focusing on the lipid content, but classified primarily as wool for import purposes), is the unprocessed fleece sheared from sheep. It contains natural impurities such as wool grease (lanolin), suint (dried sweat), dirt, and vegetable matter.

In international trade, the classification hinges heavily on two factors: 1. State of Processing: Is it uncarded and uncombed? (Yes, usually). 2. Fineness: Measured in "microns" or "sides" (s). The key threshold is often 46 microns/sides.

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- Greasy vs. Scoured: This guide applies to Greasy Wool (uncleaned). Scoured (cleaned) wool falls under different subheadings (e.g., 5101.21 or 5101.30).
- Fineness Thresholds:
- Not finer than 46s: Lower value, often used for carpets, insulation, or low-grade textiles.
- Finer than 40s but not finer than 44s: Higher value, suitable for high-quality apparel (suits, knitwear).
- Finer than 46s (e.g., Merino): Often excluded from the specific "unimproved/other" categories in the provided data, requiring specific high-fineness codes not listed in the source .

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

Based on the provided , there are two specific HS Codes for Greasy, Shorn, Unimproved Wool. The primary differentiator is the fineness of the fibers.

🔍 Critical Note on "Wool Grease":
While "Wool Grease" (Lanolin) is a valuable byproduct, if you are importing Raw Wool that still contains the grease naturally, it is classified under Chapter 51 (Wool). If you are importing extracted Lanolin (processed chemical/grease product), it falls under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances). The HS codes below strictly apply to the Raw Wool fiber itself.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Analysis)

✅ Applicable Region: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Note: Tax rates depend on origin. If from other countries, refer to FTAs. Below reflects China-origin specific duties based on provided data.)
✅ Effective Date: Current Trade Policy (Subject to Change)

🎯 1. 5101.11.40.00 —— Greasy Wool, Finer than 40s but not finer than 44s

📌 Explanation:
- Even though the base MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate is 0%, the 25% additional tariff applies to all goods under HS subheading 5101.11.40 from China due to the Section 301 Trade Action.
- This is a significant cost driver. Importers must budget for a 25% duty on the customs value.

🎯 2. 5101.11.20.00 —— Greasy Wool, Not Finer than 40s

📌 Explanation:
- This specific coarse wool classification enjoys a 0% total tariff rate.
- This makes it highly competitive for importers of carpet-grade or industrial felts from China compared to the finer grades.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Mandatory Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy & Classification Tips

🔥 "Fineness Determines Tax, Purity Determines Clearance!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations for "Wool Grease"

If you are extracting the grease (lanolin) from the wool in the destination country: - The raw wool remains classified under Chapter 51. - If you import finished Lanolin Oil, it is classified under HS 3503.00. - Customs Warning: Do not declare Lanolin as "Raw Wool" to avoid tariffs. If it is processed grease, it must be declared accurately. Mislabeled processed goods can lead to seizure.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2024/2026 Context)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA: The 25% tariff on finer wool (...40.00) is a major cost factor. Importers should verify if any exclusions apply.
- EU: Generally more favorable base rates but stricter animal welfare and phytosanitary rules.

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

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Raw Wool" without specifying "Greasy" or "Scoured"
👉 Consequence: CBP may classify as Scoured Wool (higher base duty) or request reclassification.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring Micron Count
👉 Consequence: If you declare 5101.11.20.00 (0% tax) for 24-micron wool (which is ...40.00), you will face 25% back-taxes + penalties. Always have a lab report.

❌ Error 3: Missing Phytosanitary Certificate
👉 Consequence: Detention at Border. Raw wool is a high-risk biosecurity item. Without this cert, the shipment will be rejected or destroyed.

❌ Error 4: Confusing "Raw Wool" with "Wool Tops"
👉 Consequence: Wool Tops are carded/combed (Chapter 51, different subheadings). Different rules and duties apply.

✅ Correct Practice:

"100% Greasy Shorn Wool, Unimproved, Average Fiber Diameter 24 Microns (44s), Phytosanitary Cert Attached, Lot No. XYZ, Origin: China"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money

🎯 Remember the Rule:

🔹 "Fineness Dictates Duty: >40s (Coarse) = 0%, 41-44s (Fine) = 25%!"
🔹 "No Phytosanitary Cert = No Entry!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wool is Finer than 46s (e.g., 20-micron Merino), it does NOT fall under the two codes above (...20 or ...40). It likely falls under "Finer than 46s" subheadings (e.g., 5101.11.60 or similar), which may have different tax rates (often 25% additional as well, but check latest HTS).
👉 Always verify the exact micron count against the official HTSUS tables.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Request a Lab Test for fiber diameter before shipment.
📄 Secure Phytosanitary & Fumigation Certs from the exporter.
📋 Confirm Origin: If not from China, Section 301 may not apply!

✨ Expert Customs Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every micron counts—both in quality and in cost.