Square Meters
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5603920095 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5603910090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7019724060 | 42.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Square Meters (Generic Flat Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What are "Square Meters"?
In international trade, "Square Meters" is not a specific product name but a unit of measurement indicating a two-dimensional, flat-form material. It typically refers to flexible sheets, films, membranes, or fabrics sold by area rather than weight or length.
Because the description is generic, classification depends entirely on the material composition: 1. Non-woven Fabrics: Often used for filtration, medical, or industrial covering. 2. Plastics: Films, sheets, or membranes used for packaging, insulation, or construction. 3. Glass Fibers: Reinforcement materials for composites.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- If the material is fibrous/non-woven β Likely Chapter 56
- If the material is plastic/polymer β Likely Chapter 39
- If the material is glass-based β Likely Chapter 70
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the four most likely HS Codes for "Square Meters" depending on material:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Characteristics | Likely Application |
|---|---|---|---|
5603.92.00.95 |
Other non-woven fabrics, weighing >25g/mΒ² but β€70g/mΒ², other than impregnated/coated/covered/laminated | Fibrous/Polymer Non-woven | Medical drapes, industrial filters, geotextiles |
5603.91.00.90 |
Other non-woven fabrics, weighing β€25g/mΒ², other than impregnated/coated/covered/laminated | Lightweight Non-woven | Disposable packaging, hygiene products, light covers |
3921.19.00.90 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics | Plastic (General) | Flexible packaging, plastic sheeting, insulation |
3921.90.50.50 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics | Plastic (Other) | Specialized plastic films, composite plastic sheets |
7019.72.40.60 |
Other woven fabrics of glass yarn | Glass Fiber | Reinforcement for boat hulls, roofing, composites |
π Critical Note:
- The term "Other" (ε Άδ») in all these codes serves as a "catch-all" category.
- The unit "Square Meters" confirms the flat, 2D form factor, ruling out tubes, rods, or complex assemblies.
- Do not assume the material; you must know the base substance (Plastic vs. Fiber vs. Glass).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Based on current trade policies)
π― 1. Non-Woven Fabrics (HS 5603.92.00.95 & 5603.91.00.90)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO (Denied for goods from China under these clauses) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:5603.92.00.95 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Non-wovens are often lightweight and low-value, but the 35% total tax is significant for bulk imports.
- The 10% IEEPA tax is a specific surcharge on certain Chinese goods, added on top of the standard 301 tariff.
π― 2. Plastic Sheets/Films (HS 3921.19.00.90 & 3921.90.50.50)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (for 3921.19) / 4.8% (for 3921.90) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% (for 3921.19) / 39.8% (for 3921.90) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3921.xxxx β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic "Square Meters" (films/sheets) face higher base tariffs than non-wovens.
- 3921.19.00.90 (Other plastics) has a slightly higher total rate (41.5%) due to its higher base duty.
- 3921.90.50.50 is slightly cheaper (39.8%) but still very high.
π― 3. Glass Fiber Fabrics (HS 7019.72.40.60)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 42.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 42.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7019.72.40.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Glass fiber is a high-performance material. The 42.3% total tax is the highest among the options.
- Ensure the product is indeed woven glass yarn; if itβs non-woven glass, it might fall under a different code with different rates.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (Plastic/Non-woven/Glass), Weight per mΒ², Thickness, Width. |
| β Material Composition Declaration | βοΈ | Critical! Must state % of polymer, fiber type, or glass content. |
| β Product Photos (Label & Roll/Sheet) | βοΈ | Show the "Square Meter" format and any technical markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state unit price per square meter and total quantity. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show dimensions per roll/sheet to verify "flat form" classification. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Proof of Chinese origin triggers the 301/IEEPA taxes. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Form Second, 'Square Meters' is Not a Code!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Non-woven, thin (<25g/mΒ²) | 5603.91.00.90 (Non-woven, β€25g/mΒ²) |
Call it "Plastic Sheet" β Misclassification |
| Non-woven, medium (25-70g/mΒ²) | 5603.92.00.95 (Non-woven, >25g/mΒ²) |
Call it "Textile Fabric" β Wrong Chapter |
| Plastic Film/Sheet | 3921.19.00.90 or 3921.90.50.50 |
Call it "Packaging Material" β Too vague |
| Glass Fiber Mat | 7019.72.40.60 (Woven Glass) |
Call it "Composite Material" β Ambiguous |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If itβs a plastic-coated non-woven, it may shift to a different chapter (e.g., Chapter 59). Consult a customs broker. |
| Imported by Roll vs. Cut Sheets | Classification remains similar, but declare total square meters accurately. |
| Small Samples (<De Minimis) | β No Exemption: Due to IEEPA/301 rules, small shipments from China do NOT qualify for the $800 de minimis exemption for these codes. |
| Re-export to Third Country | Ensure the country of origin is China on the original Bill of Lading. Transshipment does not erase the origin. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Key Certifications | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5603.92.00.95 / 3921.19.00.90 / 7019.72.40.60 |
35% - 42.3% | None specific for generic goods | High Surtax (35-42%) |
| π¨π³ China | Same codes | 0% - 13% | N/A | Low duty, but export restrictions may apply |
| πͺπΊ EU | Similar codes | 5% - 10% | REACH, RoHS | No 301/IEEPA surtaxes |
| π¬π§ UK | Similar codes | 5% - 10% | UKCA | No 301/IEEPA surtaxes |
| π»π³ Vietnam | Varies | 0% | Origin Certificate (Form E/VN) | Avoid China Origin to bypass taxes |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is extremely expensive for these generic "Square Meter" materials due to Section 301 + IEEPA taxes.
- Total costs can reach 42%.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam, India, or EU) to avoid US surtaxes.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Square Meters" as a product name.
π Result: Customs will reject the declaration for lacking specificity.
π Fix: Use "Non-woven Fabric Sheet" or "Plastic Film Roll".
β Error 2: Ignoring the Weight per Square Meter for Non-wovens.
π Result: Misclassifying 5603.91 (light) as 5603.92 (medium) or vice versa.
π Fix: Provide GSM (Grams per Square Meter) data on the invoice.
β Error 3: Assuming "De Minimis" applies to small shipments.
π Result: Packages under $800 from China are still taxed for these HS codes.
π Fix: Budget for full duty + surtaxs even for samples.
β Error 4: Confusing "Woven" vs. "Non-woven" Glass.
π Result: Using 7019.72 (woven) for non-woven mats.
π Fix: Verify the manufacturing process (Woven vs. Non-woven).
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Non-woven Fabric Sheets, 50g/mΒ², Polyester, White, Sold by Square Meter, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization
π― Remember Mantra:
πΉ "Material Dictates Code, Weight Splits Non-woven, 35-42% is the US Price, Origin Matters!"
πΉ "Square Meters is just a unit, HS Code is the law!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing these goods into the US, calculate the landed cost carefully. A 35-42% tariff can erase profit margins.
β
Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker for a Pre-Ruling if the material is ambiguous.
π Consider non-China sourcing to avoid the 301/IEEPA surtaxes entirely.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tax affects your bottom line!
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.