Waste Textiles
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5505100040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6310901000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5202100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6310902000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5505200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐งต Waste Textiles: HS Code Classification & 2026 Customs Clearance Guide
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition: What Exactly Is "Waste Textiles"?
"Waste Textiles" refers to discarded, unused, or by-product materials derived from the textile industry. In international trade, these are not finished garments but raw fibrous materials or decomposed fabrics intended for recycling, reprocessing, or disposal.
Crucially, customs classification depends heavily on two factors: 1. Material Composition: Is it natural (cotton, wool) or synthetic (polyester, nylon)? 2. Physical State: Is it loose fiber waste, or used garments/fabric scraps?
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction:
- "Textile Waste" (Fibers/Rags): Generally falls under Chapter 55 (Synthetic) or Chapter 52 (Cotton).
- "Used Textiles/Footwear": Falls under Chapter 63 (Miscellaneous Textile Articles), specifically for "waste" or "rags."
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to different types of textile waste:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Inference | Physical State |
|---|---|---|---|
5505.10.00.40 |
Waste of man-made fibers | Polyester or other synthetic fibers | Loose fiber waste |
5505.20.00.00 |
Waste of man-made fibers | Artificial synthetic fibers | Loose fiber waste |
5202.10.00.00 |
Cotton waste (Garnetted stock, noils, etc.) | Cotton | Fiber waste |
6310.90.10.00 |
Worn clothing and other worn articles; rags, of wool or fine animal hair | Wool or fine animal hair | Used articles/Rags |
6310.90.20.00 |
Other worn clothing and other worn articles; rags, of other textile materials | Other textile materials (e.g., blends, non-specified natural fibers) | Used articles/Rags |
๐ Important Note:
- If the waste is loose fiber (e.g., from cutting rooms or carding machines), it is classified under Chapter 52 (Cotton) or Chapter 55 (Synthetic/Artificial).
- If the waste consists of used garments, shoes, or rags (even if torn into pieces), it is classified under Chapter 63.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: 2025/2026 Import Period
๐ฏ 1. 5505.10.00.40 & 5505.20.00.00 โ Synthetic/Artificial Fiber Waste
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional Duty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain textile origins/categories) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5505.10.00.40 โ Footnote: 301 โ Footnote: 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% Section 122 tariff apply aggressively to synthetic textile wastes from China.
- Total burden: 35%. This is a high-cost category for recyclers.
๐ฏ 2. 5202.10.00.00 โ Cotton Waste
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional Duty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain textile origins/categories) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:5202.10.00.00 โ Footnote: 301 โ Footnote: 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- Cotton waste faces the same 35% total tax rate as synthetic waste due to identical surtax structures.
- Despite being a natural fiber, US trade policy imposes high barriers on Chinese cotton waste imports.
๐ฏ 3. 6310.90.10.00 โ Used Wool/Fine Animal Hair Waste
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.5 ยข/kg (Specific Duty) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Ad Valorem Surtax) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain textile origins/categories) |
| Total Tax | 5.5 ยข/kg + 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | (5.5 ยข ร Quantity in kg) + (CIF Value ร 17.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6310.90.10.00 โ Footnote: 301 โ Footnote: 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- This category uses a compound tariff (specific + ad valorem).
- The ad valorem surtax is 17.5% (7.5% + 10%), which is lower than the 35% applied to fiber wastes.
- Suitable for high-density wool scraps or used wool garments.
๐ฏ 4. 6310.90.20.00 โ Used Rags of Other Textile Materials
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Additional Duty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain textile origins/categories) |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:6310.90.20.00 โ Footnote: 301 โ Footnote: 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective option for general textile rags (e.g., mixed blends, non-specific materials).
- Total burden: 17.5%, half the rate of raw fiber waste.
- Ideal for sorting facilities handling mixed used clothing or fabric scraps.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory Documents)
| Document | Must Provide? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Detailed Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must specify "Textile Waste," material composition (% Cotton, % Polyester, etc.), and state of waste (loose, baled, used). |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail weight (Net/Gross) and number of bales/packages. |
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | To prove origin as China (CN) and apply correct surtaxes. |
| โ Material Composition Statement | โ๏ธ | Critical for distinguishing between 6310 (used items) and 5205/5505 (fibers). |
| โ Photos of Goods | โ๏ธ | Show bale condition, labels, and any visible contamination. |
| โ Recycling License/Proof | โ๏ธ | If applying for specific exemptions or demonstrating end-use. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Fiber vs. Rag: Check Material! Used Item? Chapter 63 is King!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Code | Consequence of Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose Polyester Fibers from Cutting Room | 5505.10.00.40 (35%) |
6310.90.20.00 (17.5%) |
Under-declaration risk; potential fines + back taxes. |
| Used Denim Jeans (Torn) | 6310.90.20.00 (17.5%) |
5505.10.00.40 (35%) |
Over-declaration risk; higher cost. |
| Cotton Lint/Noils | 5202.10.00.00 (35%) |
6310.90.20.00 (17.5%) |
High risk of audit; must prove it's "waste" not "used." |
| Wool Sweaters (Damaged) | 6310.90.10.00 (5.5ยข/kg + 17.5%) |
5202.10.00.00 |
Wrong material classification; customs delay. |
โ 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Bales | If bales contain both cotton and synthetic, declare the dominant material. If mixed beyond recognition, use 6310.90.20.00 (Other) but provide a detailed breakdown. |
| Contaminated Waste | If textiles are soaked in chemicals or heavily soiled, declare as "Industrial Waste." May require EPA notifications in addition to customs. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | โ Not Applicable. Textile waste from China is explicitly denied de minimis treatment. All shipments must be formally entered. |
| EPA Restrictions | Ensure waste does not contain hazardous materials (e.g., heavy metals from dyes). US EPA regulates transboundary movements of solid waste. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 6310.90.20.00 |
17.5% (Total) | Best rate for rags. Avoid 5505/5202 if possible (35%). |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | Various | 0-5% | China exports more waste than it imports. Import duties are low. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | Various | 0% (Most) | EU has stricter environmental rules on "waste" imports. May require EPR certificates. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | Various | 5-15% | Heavy restrictions on textile waste imports to protect domestic recycling industry. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is highly sensitive to textile waste origin.
- Chapter 63 (Used Rags) offers significantly lower tariffs (17.5%) compared to Chapter 52/55 (Raw Fibers) (35%).
- Strategy: If possible, classify goods as "Used Articles/Rags" (6310) rather than "Fiber Waste" (5202/5505) to save 17.5% in taxes.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring "Used Jeans" as "Cotton Waste" (5202.10.00.00)
๐ Consequence: Tax jumps from 17.5% to 35%. Double the cost!
โ Mistake 2: Assuming "De Minimis" applies for small shipments
๐ Consequence: Shipment held at customs; fines imposed. Textile waste is explicitly excluded.
โ Mistake 3: Mixing wool and synthetic waste without clear labeling
๐ Consequence: Customs may seize the shipment or force the highest applicable tariff rate.
โ Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariffs
๐ Consequence: Underestimating total landed cost. Section 122 adds 10% on top of Section 301 for many textile items.
โ Correct Approach:
"Worn Clothing (Used Jeans, Mixed Lot), Made of Cotton/Polyester Blend, Baled, for Recycling. HS Code: 6310.90.20.00."
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Cost, Ensure Clearance
๐ฏ Remember the Motto:
๐น "Fiber is 35%, Rag is 17.5% โ Choose Wisely!"
๐น "No De Minimis for Textile Waste โ Always Declare!"
๐น "Material Matters: Cotton vs. Synthetic vs. Wool โ Pick the Right Code!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your textile waste is originally from Vietnam, Mexico, or Bangladesh, you may qualify for lower or zero Section 301/122 tariffs due to FTAs or trade agreements.
Recommendation: Always seek a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US Customs Ruling before shipping high-volume textile waste to the US.
๐ฃ Action Now:
๐ Consult with a licensed customs broker.
๐ฆ Provide accurate material composition and photos.
๐ Clear customs smoothly, reduce costs, and maximize recycling profits!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Percent of Tax Saved is Pure Profit!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.