unsheared wool

🐑 Unsheared Wool (Raw Wool)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Unsheared Wool"?

"Unsheared Wool" generally refers to raw wool that has not been washed, scoured, or chemically treated, often containing natural impurities like lanolin, suint (dried sweat), dirt, and vegetable matter. In international trade, its classification is strictly determined by its physical form (scoured, carded, combed) and processing status.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the wool is scoured, cleaned, or chemically treated (removing lanolin/dirt) → It is no longer "unsheared/raw" in the strictest sense but falls under Carded/Combed Wool (HS 5105) or Wool Tops.
- If the wool is raw, dirty, or minimally processed (only dried or loosely cleaned) → It falls under Raw Wool (HS 5101/5102).
- Key Rule: The term "Unsheared" in customs data often implies "Raw" or "Not Scoured." However, if the description mentions "Carded" or "Combed," it may shift to HS 5105.

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

Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for Raw/Unsheared Wool variants:

🔍 Key Reminder:
- "Unsheared" in commercial invoices must match the physical state. If it’s dirty/raw → HS 5101.
- If it’s cleaned/scoured but still raw (not spun) → It might still fall under HS 5101 or shift to HS 5105 depending on refinement.
- Wool Waste (HS 5103) applies only to by-products, not primary raw wool.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 5101.30.70.00 — Raw Wool, Not Carded/Combed (High Impurity)

📌 Explanation:
- Section 301 (25%): Trump-era tariffs on Chinese raw materials; still in effect.
- Section 122 (10%): National security tariffs on wool (Bipartisan Support); active since 2024.
- Base Duty (6.5¢/kg + 5.3%): Specific duty per kg + ad valorem.
- Total Burden: High. Raw wool imports from China face cumulative taxes.

🎯 2. 5105.10.00.00 — Carded/Combed Wool (Processed Raw Wool)

📌 Note:
- Even if "carded," if it’s still considered "raw wool" variant, it retains similar tax structure.
- Crucial: Misdeclaring as "carded" to avoid Section 122? Risk of Audit. Section 122 often covers all wool products.

🎯 3. 5103.20.00.00 — Wool Waste

📌 Explanation:
- Lower base duty (2.6¢/kg) due to "waste" status.
- Still subject to 35% combined surtaxes.

🎯 4. 5101.11.10.00 & 5101.19.10.00 — Raw Wool, Not Scoured

📌 Critical Point:
- No base duty, but 35% total surtax makes it expensive.
- Section 122 is the killer here: It imposes a 10% tariff on all wool imports from China, regardless of base rate.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Required Documents (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 "State Raw, Not Scoured; Specify Weight, Avoid Penalty!"

✅ 3. Special Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese raw wool due to Section 122 (10%) and Section 301 (25%).
- EU/UK have lower tariffs but may have anti-dumping duties or environmental regulations.
- Strategy: Consider sourcing from New Zealand/Australia (better quality, no Section 122) if targeting US market.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Raw Wool" as "Carded Wool" to avoid Section 122
👉 Consequence: If lab test shows high impurity → Seizure + Fine

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Specific Duty (¢/kg)
👉 Consequence: Underpayment → Back Taxes + Interest (HS 5101.30.70.00 has 6.5¢/kg)

❌ Mistake 3: Using De Minimis (800 USD) for Wool
👉 Consequence: Shipment Blocked (Wool is excluded from de minimis)

❌ Mistake 4: Not Specifying "Not Scoured" on Invoice
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify as "Scoured Wool" → Higher Base Duty

✅ Correct Practice:

"Raw Sheep Wool, Not Scoured, Not Carded, Origin: China, Weight: 10,000 KG, HS: 5101.11.10.00"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Declaration, Lower Risk, Higher Profit!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Raw Wool: 35% Total Tax (Section 122+301)"
🔹 "Wool Waste: 35% + Lower Base Duty"
🔹 "No De Minimis for Wool – Declare Everything!"

📌 Pro Tip:

If your wool is not from China, check USMCA (Canada/Mexico) or NZ-USA agreements for potential exemptions.
Always request a Pre-Ruling from CBP for large wool shipments.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Lab Test Report + Apply for CBP Pre-Ruling
🚀 Ensure your wool clears smoothly, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Cent Saved Counts in the Wool Trade!