Towels
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5705002020 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5705002090 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5802109000 | 44.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5802101000 | 44.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6302910015 | 26.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6302600020 | 26.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ββοΈ Towels: The Ultimate HS Code & Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Towels"?
Towels are essential household and textile items, primarily made of cotton or synthetic fibers. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on the material composition, weaving structure, and intended use.
Key Distinctions: - Floor Coverings (Carpet-like): Thick, looped, or tufted textiles used for wiping floors or as rugs. - Textile Articles of a Kind (Bath/Kitchen): Standard looped or waffle-weave fabrics for drying the body or dishes.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point: - If the towel is thick, looped, and intended for floor use (or fits the definition of a floor covering), it falls under Chapter 57. - If the towel is a standard bath/kitchen towel (waffle, terry, or plain weave) made of cotton, it falls under Chapter 63 (Specifically, "Other made-up textile articles"). - If the towel is a specialized machine-woven terry cloth (not yet made up into a final towel product or classified under specific terry headings), it may fall under Chapter 58.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here is the breakdown of potential HS Codes for "Towels," including their summary descriptions and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Applicable Scenario | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
5705.00.20.20 |
Textile Floor Coverings: Cotton/fiber-based towels classified as floor coverings. | Thick bath mats, floor towels, rug-like textiles. | Cotton/Fiber |
5705.00.20.90 |
Other Textile Floor Coverings: General textile floor coverings not specifically named. | General textile rugs or floor towels not fitting other specific subheadings. | Textile |
5802.10.90.00 |
Terry Toweling & Similar Woven Fabrics (Other): Cotton terry fabrics. | Raw terry fabric or specific woven looped textiles (not yet made up as standard towels). | Cotton Terry |
5802.10.10.00 |
Machine-Woven Terry Fabrics: Cotton terry and similar woven looped fabrics. | Specific machine-woven terry cloth classifications. | Cotton Terry |
6302.91.00.15 |
Cotton Towels: Standard cotton towels meeting material and category requirements. | Most common for standard bath, hand, and kitchen towels made of cotton. | Cotton |
6302.60.00.20 |
Other Towels: Cotton/cloth towels for general drying purposes. | Standard towels where specific cotton classifications do not apply; general use towels. | Cotton/Cloth |
π Key Takeaway: - Chapter 57 (
5705) applies if the item is considered a floor covering (e.g., large bath mats). - Chapter 58 (5802) applies to terry fabrics or specific woven looped textiles, often used for industrial or specific manufacturing contexts. - Chapter 63 (6302) is the most common classification for standard, made-up bath and kitchen towels made of cotton.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards
π― 1. 5705.00.20.20 & 5705.00.20.90 ββ Textile Floor Coverings
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/Other) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 3.3% β Section 301: 25.0% β Section 122: 10.0% |
π Explanation: - These items are classified as floor coverings. - The 38.3% total rate includes the base tariff, Section 301 surcharge, and additional policy surcharges. - This is a high tariff bracket. Misclassifying a floor towel as a bath towel could lead to audits if the product is clearly a rug/mat.
π― 2. 5802.10.90.00 & 5802.10.10.00 ββ Terry Fabrics & Loop-Weave Textiles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.4% (5802.10.90.00) / 9.8% (5802.10.10.00) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/Other) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 44.4% (5802.10.90.00) / 44.8% (5802.10.10.00) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 44.4%~44.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 9.4%/9.8% β Section 301: 25.0% β Section 122: 10.0% |
π Explanation: - These codes apply to terry cloth or machine-woven looped fabrics. - This is the highest tariff bracket (44.4%~44.8%). - Only use these codes if the goods are raw terry fabrics or specific industrial looped textiles, not standard finished bath towels.
π― 3. 6302.91.00.15 & 6302.60.00.20 ββ Standard Cotton/Cloth Towels (Recommended for Most Cases)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.2% (6302.91.00.15) / 9.1% (6302.60.00.20) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122/Other) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 26.7% (6302.91.00.15) / 26.6% (6302.60.00.20) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 26.6%~26.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 9.1%/9.2% β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10.0% |
π Explanation: - This is the most cost-effective classification for standard bath, hand, and kitchen towels. - The Section 301 surcharge is lower (7.5%) compared to floor coverings (25.0%) and terry fabrics (25.0%). - Crucial: Ensure the product is clearly a made-up towel (finished, hemmed, packaged for retail use) and not a floor mat or raw fabric.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material (100% Cotton? Polyester Blend?), Weight (GSM), Size, Weave Type. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing loops (terry), hems, and packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item as "Towels" or "Bath Towels," not "Textile Rugs." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions per package. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If applicable, to verify Country of Origin (China). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βFloor Mat = 38.3%, Standard Towel = 26.6%β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bath/Kitchen Towel (Hemmed, retail packaged) | 6302.91.00.15 or 6302.60.00.20 |
Lowest tariff (26.6%-26.7%). Fits "Other made-up textile articles." |
| Bath Mat / Rug / Floor Towel (Thick, non-standard shape, heavy) | 5705.00.20.20 or 5705.00.20.90 |
Classified as "Floor Coverings." Higher tariff (38.3%). |
| Raw Terry Cloth / Unfinished Looped Fabric | 5802.10.10.00 or 5802.10.90.00 |
Highest tariff (44.4%-44.8%). Only for fabric, not finished towels. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Microfiber Towels | If not cotton, check if it falls under synthetic fibers. May require different Chapter 63 subheadings. |
| Linen Towels | If made of linen, not cotton, it may fall under different subheadings (e.g., 6302.5x). Verify material. |
| Baby Towels | Still typically 6302.91.00.15 if cotton. Ensure no medical device classification is mistakenly applied. |
| Promotional Towels with Logos | Standard 6302 classification. Ensure logo printing doesn't change the essential character to a "printed textile good" which might have different duties. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6302.91.00.15 |
26.7% | No specific certification required for towels. | High tariff due to Section 301 & IEEPA. |
| π¨π³ China | 6302.91.00.15 |
~9-10% | No specific certification. | Lower base tariff. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6302.91.00.15 (or equivalent) |
0-12% | REACH (Chemical safety). | No Section 301 surcharges. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6302.91.00.15 |
0-12% | UKCA (if applicable). | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6302.91.00.15 (or equivalent) |
0-10% | No specific certification. | Low tariff environment. |
π Conclusion: - USA has the highest effective tariff for towels due to additional surcharges. - Chapter 63 (
6302) is the most efficient classification for standard towels, saving significant costs compared to Chapter 57 (5705) or 58 (5802).
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Bath Mats as Bath Towels (6302)
π Consequence: If the mat is deemed a "floor covering," the tariff jumps from 26.7% to 38.3%. Customs may audit and demand back taxes.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Finished Towels as Terry Fabric (5802)
π Consequence: Tariff increases to 44.8%. "Finished" means hemmed, packaged, and ready for retail sale.
β Mistake 3: Incorrect Material Declaration π Consequence: If a towel is 100% Polyester but declared as Cotton, customs may reclassify under synthetic fiber rules, potentially altering the tariff rate and triggering penalties.
β Correct Approach:
"100% Cotton Terry Cloth Bath Towel, Hemmed, Retail Packaged, Model XYZ, Size 30x50 inches"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency
π― Remember:
πΉ βFloor Mat = 38.3%, Standard Towel = 26.6%.β πΉ βFinish determines the Chapter: Finished = Ch 63, Fabric = Ch 58, Rug = Ch 57.β πΉ βAccurate material and finish description saves thousands in duties!β
π Tips: - If your towels are originally from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower Section 301 rates. - Apply for Advance Rulings from US Customs (CBP) if you are unsure about the classification between a "Towel" and a "Floor Covering."
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Request HS Code pre-classification. π Ensure your towels clear customs smoothly, maximize profit margins, and minimize compliance risks!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification! πΌ Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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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.