Wool Tops
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6110110015 | 33.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6110110030 | 33.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6104291050 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Wool Tops (Knitted Sweaters & Pullovers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | US Import Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: What Are "Wool Tops"?
In international trade, "Wool Tops" generally refer to knitted or crocheted garments worn on the upper body, specifically sweaters, pullovers, cardigans, and waistcoats. The classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Material Composition: Specifically Wool (excluding synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester). 2. Form: Typically Pullovers (ε₯θ‘«) or similar knitted structures.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the garment is Wool and a Pullover/Top β It falls under Chapter 61 (Knitted/Crocheted Articles), specifically heading 6110.
- If it is Woven (not knitted) β It would fall under Chapter 62 (e.g., 6110 vs. 6211).
- Note: The provided data strictly addresses Knitted Wool Tops (HS Codes 6110.xxxx).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Material | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6110.11.00.15 |
Wool Sweaters, Material: Wool | Knitted/Crocheted top, primarily wool fiber | π 100% Wool | Pullover/Top (ε₯θ‘«) |
6110.11.00.30 |
Wool Sweaters, Material: Wool | Knitted/Crocheted textileεΆε, wool-based | π 100% Wool | Knitted Article/Pullover (ιη»εΆε) |
6104.29.10.50 |
Top/Jacket, Material: Textile (Inferred) | Ambiguous/General Category | 𧡠Textile (Context: Likely Wool blend or similar) | Top/Garment (δΈθ‘£) |
π Critical Clarification:
- The first two codes (6110.11.00.15and.30) are the standard classifications for 100% Wool Knitted Pullovers.
- The third code (6104.29.10.50) appears to be a fallback or ensemble-specific code ("garment in the ensemble"). It implies a textile top where the exact material might not be purely wool or is part of a set. Use with caution for pure wool items.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Policy)
π― 1. 6110.11.00.15 & 6110.11.00.30 ββ Pure Wool Knitted Sweaters/Pullovers
| Item | Rate / Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 16.0% (Standard MFN Tariff) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific Trade Measure) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 33.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 33.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:6110.11.00 β Section 301 (List 4A/B) β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- 16.0% Base: The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty for wool sweaters.
- +7.5% Section 301: Additional tariff imposed on Chinese imports under the US-China trade dispute.
- +10% Section 122: Additional tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act (often applied to specific national security or economic interests).
- Total: 33.5% is a significant cost factor for wool apparel imports from China.
π― 2. 6104.29.10.50 ββ Top (Textile Ensemble Component)
| Item | Rate / Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | Applicable rate per garment in ensemble (Variable, but often lower for blends) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | Base Rate + 17.5% (i.e., Base + 7.5% + 10%) |
| Note | The base rate depends on the specific textile composition of the "ensemble." If wool, it may still be high. |
| Legal Basis | Ensemble rules apply; surcharges remain constant. |
β οΈ Warning:
- This code is less specific than 6110.11. If your item is 100% Wool, DO NOT use this code unless it is part of a multi-garment ensemble. Misclassification can lead to penalties and audits.
- The total tax structure Base + 17.5% is generally lower than the fixed 33.5% only if the base rate for that specific textile is <16%.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must specify "Knitted Wool Sweater/Pullover" | Clear identification for HS Code 6110 |
| Packing List | Itemize by style/color/size | Prevents valuation disputes |
| Material Composition Label | 100% Wool (or blend %) | Crucial for distinguishing from 6110.30 (Synthetic) |
| Fiber Content Certificate | From manufacturer or lab test | Proves wool content for 6110.11 |
| Country of Origin | Clearly state China | Triggers Section 301 & 122 tariffs |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Wool Must Be Wool, Knit Must Be Knit, Label Clearly, Tariff is Right!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Wool Pullover | 6110.11.00.15 |
6110.30.00.00 (Synthetic) β Over/Underpayment Risk |
| Wool Blend (e.g., 80% Wool) | 6110.20.00.00 (if >85% wool) or 6110.30 |
Mislabeling as 100% Wool β Fraud Risk |
| Part of a Suit Ensemble | 6104.29.10.50 |
Declaring as standalone sweater β Ensemble Rule Violation |
| Non-Knitted (Woven Wool Coat) | 6110 is WRONG; Use Chapter 62 |
Using 6110 for woven goods β Rejection |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Wool Sweaters | Ensure the care label matches the invoice. If label says "Acrylic," but invoice says "Wool," customs will reject. |
| Small Quantities (<$800) | β No De Minimis Exemption for Section 301/122 goods. You still pay 33.5%. |
| Wool vs. "Wool-Like" | If the material is Mohair, Alpaca, or Camel Hair, it may still fall under 6110.11. Verify with HTSUS notes. |
| Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (CVD) | Check if wool imports from China face CVD. Usually, 6110 is subject to standard tariffs, but verify latest ITC rulings. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code | Base Duty | Surcharges | Total (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6110.11.00.15 |
16.0% | +17.5% (301+122) | 33.5% | Highest cost. Plan margin accordingly. |
| π¨π³ China | 6110.11.00.15 |
9.0% - 16% | None | 9-16% | Import tax for China (varies by trade agreement). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6110.20.00.00 |
12% | None | 12% | Wool sweaters have moderate duty. No "122" equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 6110.20.00.00 |
12% | None | 12% | Post-Brexit tariff structure similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6110.20.00.00 |
16% | None | 16% | JPEPA agreement may reduce to 0% for eligible items. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging for wool tops due to the 33.5% total tax burden.
- EU/UK/Japan are more competitive with 12-16% duties.
- Supply Chain Strategy: Consider sourcing from Vietnam or Bangladesh (if wool is processed there) to potentially mitigate Section 301 tariffs, though wool origin rules are strict.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Others' Losses)
β Mistake 1: Labeling a Synthetic Pullover as "Wool" to avoid higher synthetic duties.
π Consequence: Customs audit β Seizure + Fine. Wool content must be verified.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 122 Tariff in cost calculations.
π Consequence: Profit margin erosion. 33.5% is not just 16% + 7.5%; the 10% is a separate, mandatory add-on.
β Mistake 3: Declaring a Wool Coat (Woven) as 6110 (Knitted).
π Consequence: Misclassification penalty. Woven wool tops go to 6211.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies.
π Consequence: No exemption for Section 301/122 goods. Even small packages from China are taxed at 33.5%.
β Correct Approach:
"Knitted Wool Pullover, 100% Wool, Origin China, HS: 6110.11.00.15"
Budget for 33.5% total landed cost impact.
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Maximize Profit!
π― Remember the Formula:
Base 16% + Section 301 7.5% + Section 122 10% = 33.5%
Total Landed Cost Impact: High. Plan Ahead.πΉ "Wool is Premium, Tax is Heavy."
πΉ "Check Material, Check Knit, Check Origin."
πΉ "De Minimis is a Myth for Wool from China."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing small quantities (<$800), still pay the 33.5%.
Consider consolidating shipments to reduce administrative costs per unit, or explore third-country transshipment (if legitimate and compliant with rules of origin).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Confirm if your specific wool blend qualifies for
6110.11.
π Update Cost Models: Include 33.5% duty in your FOB pricing.
π Optimize Supply Chain: Evaluate if non-China sources can offer better duty-free access.
β¨ Precise Classification, Smooth Clearance, Healthy Margins!
πΌ Your Wool Tops Deserve a Clear Path to the US Market!
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.