Coarse Wool Fiber for Sorting

🧶 Coarse Wool Fiber for Sorting (Uncombed Greasy Wool)

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

Coarse wool fiber for sorting refers to raw, uncarded, and uncombed wool that has not been improved (scoured or cleaned) and is typically in its greasy state (including fleece-washed wool).

In international trade, this category is strictly divided by fineness (micron count/super number) and processing state. The key distinction lies in whether the wool is finer than 46s or 40s.

⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- "Not Finer than 46s": Generally refers to wool with a micron count ≥ ~23-25 microns (coarser).
- "Not Finer than 40s": Generally refers to wool with a micron count ≥ ~29 microns (very coarse).
- "Unimproved/Greasy": Means the wool has not been washed, scoured, or chemically treated to remove grease, dirt, or suint. It is in its natural state from the sheep.
- "For Sorting": Indicates the wool is raw material intended for further processing (sorting, washing, carding, spinning).

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

Based on the provided data, there are two possible HS Codes depending on the fineness of the wool. Both fall under Chapter 51 (Wool, Fine or Coarse Hair; Yarn and Woven Fabric).

🔍 Critical Note:
- HS 5101.11.20.00 applies to Shorn Wool that is not finer than 46s.
- HS 5101.19.20.00 applies to Other Greasy Wool (which may include fleece-washed or other types) that is not finer than 40s.
- Fineness is the key determinant: If the wool is between 46s and 40s (i.e., coarser than 46s but finer than 40s), it may fall into different sub-categories. However, based on the provided data, 5101.11.20.00 is for "Shorn wool" (not finer than 46s), and 5101.19.20.00 is for "Other" (not finer than 40s).
- Tax Implication: 5101.19.20.00 incurs a 25% additional tariff, while 5101.11.20.00 is 0%. This makes correct classification critical for cost control.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025+ (as per current trade policies)

🎯 1. 5101.11.20.00 —— Shorn Wool, Greasy, Not Finer than 46s

📌 Explanation:
- This classification benefits from zero duty.
- It is crucial that the wool is Shorn (not fleece-washed) and not finer than 46s.
- If the wool is finer than 46s, it may be classified under a different subheading (e.g., 5101.11.10) with different rates.

🎯 2. 5101.19.20.00 —— Other Greasy Wool, Not Finer than 40s

📌 Explanation:
- This classification incurs a 25% additional tariff.
- It applies to Greasy Wool (including fleece-washed) that is not finer than 40s.
- Fleece-washed wool is explicitly mentioned in the description, which may trigger the 25% rate even if the wool is coarse.
- Cost Impact: For every $100,000 of CIF value, you will pay $25,000 in additional duties.

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

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

⚠️ Critical: The micron count must be verified by a third-party lab. Misreporting fineness can lead to severe penalties and back taxes.

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)

🔥 “Shorn 46s is Free, Greasy 40s is 25%!”

✅ 3. Special Cases Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the 25% additional tariff on certain greasy wool.
- EU and Australia have no additional tariffs on raw wool.
- Accurate fineness declaration is the single most important factor for cost optimization in the US market.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Reporting "Greasy Wool" without specifying "Shorn" vs. "Fleece-Washed"
👉 Consequence: Customs may apply the higher 25% rate by default.

❌ Mistake 2: Misreporting Micron Count (e.g., claiming 46s when it is 40s)
👉 Consequence: Penalty for false declaration + back taxes + potential seizure.

❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Shorn and Fleece-Washed Wool in One Shipment
👉 Consequence: Customs may tax the entire shipment at the highest applicable rate (25%).

✅ Correct Practice:

"Shorn Wool, Greasy, Not Finer than 46s, Micron Count: 24μ, Lot No.: XXX, Fumigated"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!

🎯 Remember Mnemonic:

🔹 "Shorn 46s is Free, Greasy 40s is 25%!"
🔹 "Micron Count is King, Misreporting is Costly!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wool is shorn and not finer than 46s, you are in luck—0% duty!
If it is fleece-washed or not finer than 40s, prepare for 25% additional tariff.
Recommendation:

📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to verify micron counts and apply for Advance Rulings if possible.
🚀 Optimize your supply chain by separating shorn and fleece-washed wool to minimize tax liability.

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Dollar Saved in Duties is Pure Profit!