🐑 Raw Wool Greasy (Unwashed Wool with Natural Fleece)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Raw Wool Greasy"?

Raw Wool Greasy refers to sheep's wool that has been shorn but has not been washed, scoured, or subjected to any significant mechanical processing (such as combing or carding). It retains its natural state, including:

• Natural Fats & Oils (Suint & Lanolin): The oily substance secreted by sheep sweat glands.
• Vegetable Matter: Straw, seeds, and dust naturally present in the fleece.
• Impurities: Dirt, dust, and skin flakes.

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the wool is washed, scoured, or cleaned → It no longer fits the "Greasy" description; it moves to classes like "Scoured Wool" (e.g., 5102).
- If the wool is carded or combed → It is processed fiber, not "Raw/Unsorted" wool (e.g., 5103).
- Raw Wool Greasy must be in its primary, unsorted, uncleaned state.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)

Based on the product description "Raw Wool Greasy," the following HS Codes from the provided data are matched. All fall under Chapter 51: Animal Hair and Wool; Yarn and Woven Fabric of Animal Hair.

🔍 Important Note:
- All listed codes share the same tax structure in this dataset.
- The primary difference lies in the specific sub-category of grease content (≤18% vs. >18%) or fineness (Sheep/Lamb).
- "Greasy" implies no scouring/washing. If washing occurs, these codes are invalid.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Based on provided data context)

For ALL matched HS Codes (5101.11.40.00, 5101.19.10.00, 5101.11.20.00), the tax structure is identical:

📌 Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": Raw wool is generally a low-duty input material.
- "Section 301 Tariff 25%": The standard retaliatory tariff on Chinese goods under the Trump/ Biden trade policies.
- "Section 122 Tariff 10%": A specific additional duty applied to certain Chinese imports (often cited in trade war contexts).
- Total 35%: This is a high effective rate for an agricultural/raw material input. Importers must calculate landed costs carefully.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Greasy Means Raw, Washed Means Scoured, Grease % Matters, Tariff Stays High!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)

📌 Conclusion:
- US Market: Faces a 35% total duty burden. This significantly impacts the landed cost of raw materials for US-based textile mills.
- Strategy: Consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay) to avoid Section 301/122 tariffs, if available.
- Compliance: Ensure Phytosanitary certificates are impeccable to avoid port delays.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Scoured Wool" as "Raw Wool Greasy"
👉 Consequence: False declaration. Customs may seize goods or issue penalties for undervaluation/misclassification.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring Phytosanitary Requirements
👉 Consequence: Goods held at port for fumigation or destroyed due to pest risk.

❌ Error 3: Incorrect Grease Percentage Declaration
👉 Consequence: If actual grease >18% but declared ≤18%, it’s a classification error. Though tax is same here, it affects trade data accuracy and potential future policy changes.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Raw Sheep's Wool, Greasy, Unwashed, Uncombed, Containing Natural Lanolin and Vegetable Matter, Origin: China"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Control, Efficiency!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Raw = Greasy, Washed = Scoured, 35% is the US Price!"
🔹 "Doc Accuracy Saves Time, Phytosanitary Avoids Delay!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wool is washed before shipment, DO NOT use these HS Codes. Use Chapter 5102 (Scoured Wool) instead. The tax treatment may differ, but misclassification is a serious compliance risk.
For US Imports, calculate the 35% duty into your landed cost model immediately.
Consider Pre-Import Customs Ruling if unsure about grease content or processing status.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a licensed customs broker.
📄 Prepare Phytosanitary Certificates + Commercial Invoice specifying "Greasy/Unwashed."
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance by accurate classification and complete documentation.

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Your Landed Cost Is What You Pay, Not What You Hope!