Woven Fleece Fabric
CN β USAI Analysis
π§Ά Woven Fleece Fabric (Wool/Fabric for Garments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Woven Fleece"?
Woven Fleece Fabric refers to a textile fabric, typically made from wool or wool blends, where the surface is raised or "fleeced" (brushed) to create a soft, fluffy texture. Unlike knitted fleece (common in sportswear, usually HS 6116 or 6006), woven fleece falls under the category of woven fabrics.
In international trade, it is generally classified based on: 1. Material Composition: Primarily wool, alpaca, cashmere, or blends. 2. Construction: Woven (not knitted). 3. Finish: Fleeced/Brushed on one or both sides.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Knitted Fleece (e.g., polar fleece from polyester) β Generally HS 6116 or 6006.
- Woven Fleece (e.g., woolen cloth with raised nap) β Generally HS 5112 or 5111.
- Non-Woven Fleece (e.g., felt-like materials) β HS 5602 or 5603.
For the purpose of this guide, we assume traditional woolen woven fleece fabric, which is most commonly used for coats, suits, and high-end apparel.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Key |
|---|---|---|---|
5112.19.30.00 |
Woven fabric of synthetic fibers, weighing β₯ 150 g/mΒ², other than headed | Synthetic wool blends, man-made fiber fleece | β Not wool |
5111.20.30.00 |
Woven fabric of single wool or fine animal hair, weighing β€ 200 g/mΒ², other | Lightweight woolen fleece, suiting fabric | β Wool <200g/mΒ² |
5111.30.30.00 |
Woven fabric of single wool or fine animal hair, weighing > 200 g/mΒ², other | Heavyweight woolen fleece, coat lining | β Wool >200g/mΒ² |
5112.11.30.00 |
Woven fabric of synthetic fibers, weighing < 150 g/mΒ² | Lightweight synthetic fleece | β Not wool |
π Important Note:
- If the fabric is 100% wool and weighs more than 200 g/mΒ², it usually falls under 5111.30.
- If it is a wool blend (e.g., 80% wool, 20% polyester), classification may shift to 5112 (synthetic) or 5111 depending on the dominant fiber by weight.
- "Fleece" finish does not change the HS code; it is still classified as a woven fabric of the respective fiber.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 5111.30.30.00 β Woven Fabric of Wool, >200g/mΒ², Other
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (under Section 301, Footnote 9903.02.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (for China/Hong Kong origin, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 40.3% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5111.30.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.02.01 |
π Explanation:
- Woolen woven fabrics are subject to Section 301 tariffs (25%) and IEEPA surcharges (10%).
- Total effective tariff: ~40.3%, which is very high for textile imports.
π― 2. 5111.20.30.00 β Woven Fabric of Wool, β€200g/mΒ², Other
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 41.5% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5111.20.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.02.01 |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base rate than heavier fabrics, but same surcharges.
- Total effective tariff: ~41.5%.
π― 3. 5112.19.30.00 β Synthetic Fiber Woven Fabric, β₯150g/mΒ²
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 6.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 41.4% |
| Calculation Method | CIF Value Γ 41.4% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:5112.19.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.02.01 |
π Note:
- Even if "fleece-like," if itβs synthetic woven fabric, itβs still subject to high tariffs.
- Total effective tariff: ~41.4%.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Includes weight (g/mΒ²), fiber composition, width, finish |
| β Fiber Composition Test Report | βοΈ | Must be from a recognized lab (e.g., SGS, Intertek) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Woven Woolen Fleece Fabric" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Rolls, bundles, weight, dimensions |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If non-China origin, may qualify for lower tariffs |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Principles)
π₯ βFiber First, Weight Second, Finish Irrelevant!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Wool, >200g/mΒ² | 5111.30.30.00 |
Misclassifying as 5112 (synthetic) β Higher tax |
| Wool Blend, 80% Wool | 5111.20.30.00 (if β€200g/mΒ²) |
Declaring as "fleece" without fiber details β Delay |
| Synthetic Fleece Fabric | 5112.19.30.00 |
Confusing with knitted polyester fleece (6116) β Wrong code |
| Non-Woven Fleece (Felt) | 5602.10.00.00 |
Declaring as woven β Incorrect classification |
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Fabric | Provide design specs + fiber test report to avoid ambiguity |
| Mixed Batches | Declare each fiber composition separately if different rolls have different materials |
| Samples | Still subject to tariffs if commercial quantity; de minimis does not apply to Section 301 goods |
| Transshipment | If shipped via Vietnam/Malaysia, prove substantial transformation to avoid US origin requirement |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ US | 5111.30.30.00 |
~40.3% | No special cert | High tariffs due to Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 5111.30.30.00 |
5% | No special cert | Low import duty for domestic use |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5111.30.00 |
9.6% | REACH | No additional surcharges |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5111.30.00 |
5% | None | No additional taxes |
| π―π΅ Japan | 5111.30.00 |
9.6% | Fertilizer Law (if applicable) | Standard MFN rate |
π Conclusion:
- US has the highest effective tariff (~40.3%) for woolen woven fleece from China.
- EU, Japan, Australia have moderate tariffs (~5β10%) with no additional surcharges.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Peru, New Zealand, or Italy) to reduce US tariffs.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Fleece" without specifying fiber composition
π Consequence: Customs may classify under worst-case scenario β Higher tax + penalty
β Error 2: Confusing woven fleece with knitted fleece
π Consequence: Wrong HS code (6116 vs 5111) β Audit risk
β Error 3: Ignoring fabric weight (g/mΒ²)
π Consequence: Misclassification between 5111.20 and 5111.30 β Back taxes
β Error 4: Assuming de minimis applies to textile fabrics
π Consequence: Section 301 goods are not eligible for de minimis β Seizure or payment required
β Correct Practice:
βWoven Woolen Fleece Fabric, 100% Wool, 250g/mΒ², Double-Sided Fleeced, Width 150cm, for Coat Lining, Origin: Chinaβ
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Cost!
π― Remember the Motto:
πΉ βFiber determines HS, Weight splits the code, Finish is irrelevant!β
πΉ βUS tariffs hit hard (~40%), EU is gentle (~10%), think before you ship!β
π Tips:
- If your woven fleece is originating from Peru, New Zealand, or Italy, you may qualify for lower or zero tariffs under trade agreements.
- Always request a pre-classification ruling from US Customs (CBP) if unsure.
- Keep fiber test reports and weight certificates ready for every shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide fiber test report + Apply for CBP Pre-ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid penalties, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters in global trade!
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.