Uncombed Shorn Wool

🐑 Uncombed Shorn Wool – HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide (2026 Update)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Duty Breakdown | 2026 Tariff Authority Update | Pro-Level Import Strategy
📌 One Product, Four Key HS Codes – Know Which One Applies to Your Shorn Wool!

Uncombed shorn wool — raw, unprocessed, and freshly sheared from live sheep — is a critical raw material in textile manufacturing. However, its classification depends entirely on form, processing level, and whether it's waste or primary product. Misclassification can lead to 45%+ tariffs, penalties, or even seizure.

⚠️ Critical Insight:
- If not combed, not processed, and still in natural fleece form → it may be classified as raw wool or wool waste.
- The exact HS Code depends on whether it's usable raw material or scrap — and this determines your total duty burden.

📦 2026 HS Code Classification Matrix (U.S. Tariff Schedule – China-Origin)

🔍 Why Four Codes?
- 5105.10.00.00 & 5101.30.70.00 → High-grade raw wool, suitable for spinning
- 5103.20.00.00 → Waste/low-grade, not suitable for high-end textiles
- 5101.11.10.00 → Purest form, minimal processing, direct from flock

💰 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (China-Origin Goods – Effective Nov 10, 2025)

✅ Applicable to: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including retroactive application)

🎯 1. 5105.10.00.00 – Uncombed Wool (Raw, Unprocessed)

📌 Explanation:
- This code applies to high-quality, uncombed wool that is not yet processed but still usable in spinning.
- Despite low base duty, the 25% + 10% combo makes it 35% total — extremely high.
- No de minimis means even small shipments face full duty.

🎯 2. 5103.20.00.00 – Wool Waste / Scrap (Unprocessed)

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to low-grade, unusable wool — e.g., short fibers, dirt, or damaged fleece.
- Lower base rate (2.6¢/kg), but still 35% total due to 25% + 10% add-ons.
- Must prove it's waste — otherwise, you’ll be charged as raw wool (higher risk).

🎯 3. 5101.11.10.00 – Uncombed Wool (Pure, Unprocessed, Freshly Shorn)

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to freshly shorn wool, not combed, not processed, pure fiber.
- No base rate, but full 35% due to 25% + 10% add-ons.
- Most dangerous code — if you misclassify raw wool as waste, you pay less, but risk penalties if found.

🎯 4. 5101.30.70.00 – Uncombed Wool (Same as Raw Wool)

📌 Explanation:
- Identical to 5105.10.00.00 in duty treatment.
- Used for uncombed wool with natural structure, not processed.
- Same risk profile as 5105.10.00.00.

🛠️ 4 Pro-Level Customs Clearance Strategies (Avoid 45%+ Penalties!)

✅ 1. Document Checklist (MUST-HAVE)

✅ 2. 申报技巧 (The Golden Rule)

🔥 “Prove the Form, Prove the Use — Or Pay the 35%!”

✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation

🌍 Global Duty Comparison (2026)

📌 Insight:
- U.S. is the only market with 35%+ tariffs on Chinese wool.
- China, EU, Japan, Australia have no extra tariffs — ideal for re-export.

📌 Common Mistakes & Costly Errors (Avoid These!)

❌ Mistake 1: Classifying high-grade wool as 5103.20.00.00 (waste)
👉 Result: Under-duty → Audit, penalties, back duty + 20% interest

❌ Mistake 2: Using 5101.11.10.00 for dirty, short fibers
👉 Result: Over-duty → Loss of 15–20% profit margin

❌ Mistake 3: Not splitting mixed shipments
👉 Result: All goods classified as highest duty → 45%+ tax

❌ Mistake 4: Using generic name like “Wool” on invoice
👉 Result: Customs can reclassify → delay, seizure, or liquidation

✅ Correct Invoice Line:

“Uncombed Shorn Wool, Freshly Sheared, 100% Raw Fiber, 70%+ Length, for Spinning – HS 5101.11.10.00”

🎯 Final Verdict: Your Wool, Your Duty, Your Risk

🔹 Raw Wool (Good) → 5101.11.10.00 or 5101.30.70.00 → 35% duty
🔹 Waste/Scrap → 5103.20.00.00 → 2.6¢/kg + 35%
🔹 High-Value Raw → 5105.10.00.00 → 6.5¢/kg + 5.3% + 35%

🚨 No de minimis in U.S. → Even 1kg shipment pays full 35%
🚨 No exemptions for China-origin wool → Unless re-exported via 3rd country

📣 Act Now: Protect Your Profit!

📞 Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
📊 Submit photos, fiber report, and origin docs
🚀 Get a binding ruling before shipment → Avoid 35%+ surprise duty

✨ Pro Tip:

If your wool is from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico, apply for IEEPA exemption — 0% duty on 5101.11.10.00 and 5105.10.00.00.

🎯 Summary: The 4 Key Rules for Uncombed Shorn Wool

1. Prove the form — is it raw or waste?
2. Prove the origin — China? Vietnam? Mexico?
3. Prove the use — spinning? insulation?
4. Never split mixed grades — or face full 35% duty.

📌 Bottom Line:

HS Code isn’t just a number — it’s your profit margin.
🔥 Misclassify once → Pay 35% extra.
✅ Classify right → Save thousands.

💼 Your wool. Your risk. Your duty.
🔐 Get it right — or pay the price.
🚀 Clear customs. Ship smart. Profit.