Unbleached Animal Fiber

🐑 Unbleached Animal Fiber (Raw Wool & Greasy Wool)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Unbleached Animal Fiber"?

In international trade, "Unbleached Animal Fiber" primarily refers to raw wool that has not been subjected to carding or combing processes, and often retains its natural lanolin (grease) or has only been gently washed (fleece-washed). It is the foundational material for the textile industry.

The classification hinges on two main factors: 1. State of Processing: Is it "Greasy" (retaining natural oils) or "Washed"? 2. Fineness: Is it finer than 46 microns (64s) or not finer?

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the wool is greasy (containing lanolin) or fleece-washed, and is shorn (not hair sheep), it falls under 5101.11 or 5101.19.
- If it is unimproved wool (no chemical treatment other than cleaning) and not finer than 46s (coarse wool), it is classified as 5101.11.10.00 or 5101.19.10.00.
- If it is for special uses (e.g., high-grade felting wool), specific sub-codes apply.

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

Based strictly on the provided <DATA>, here are the two applicable HS Codes for Unbleached Animal Fiber:

🔍 Critical Reminder:
- Both codes apply to greasy or fleece-washed wool that is not carded or combed.
- Both codes specify "not finer than 46s" (coarse to medium wool).
- Both specify "Wool for special uses" (often implying high-quality raw material for specific textile applications).
- Do not confuse with "Scoured Wool" (washed clean of grease, HS 5101.21/5101.30), which has different tax implications.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (With Surcharges & Policy Additions)

✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025年11月10日起 (November 10, 2025 onwards)

🎯 1. 5101.11.10.00 —— Wool for Special Uses (Greasy, Shorn, Not Finer than 46s)

📌 Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": Raw wool is generally duty-free under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to encourage raw material import.
- "+25% Additional Tariff": This is the Section 301 tariff imposed on Chinese goods. It applies to all Chinese-origin wool imports under this code.
- Total 25%: This is a significant cost increase. Even though the base is 0%, the 25% surcharge is mandatory for Chinese origin.

🎯 2. 5101.19.10.00 —— Wool for Special Uses (Greasy, Other, Not Finer than 46s)

📌 Note:
- Same tax structure as 5101.11.10.00.
- The 25% surcharge is non-negotiable for Chinese-origin goods.
- "Wool for special uses" may require proof of end-use (e.g., contracts with textile mills) to avoid classification challenges.

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

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Must Be Provided)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)

🔥 “Greasy Not Scoured, Special Use Clearly, 46s Not Finer, 25% Tariff Clear!”

✅ 3. Special Handling Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with a 25% surcharge on Chinese raw wool.
- EU, UK, and Japan apply 0% tariff for raw wool from China (subject to standard customs duties, which are often 0% for raw materials).
- Supply Chain Impact: US importers face a 25% cost increase, which must be factored into pricing or absorbed by suppliers.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Scoured Wool" when wool is "Greasy"
👉 Consequence: Misclassification → Penalty + Back Taxes (Scoured wool has different tariff treatment).

❌ Error 2: Ignoring "Not Finer than 46s" Requirement
👉 Consequence: If wool is finer than 46s, it should be 5101.21 or 5101.30. Wrong code → Customs Seizure or Reassessment.

❌ Error 3: Missing Phytosanitary Certificate
👉 Consequence: Entry Refusal by USDA APHIS. Wool is high-risk for pests.

❌ Error 4: Vague Description "Animal Fiber"
👉 Consequence: Customs cannot determine HS Code → Delay in Release (Days/Weeks).

✅ Correct Practice:

"Greasy Shorn Wool, Not Finer than 46s, for Felting, Origin: China, Phytosanitary Certified, Lanolin Content: 15%, Staple Length: 8cm"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Control!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Greasy Not Scoured, 46s Not Finer, 25% Tax for China, Phytosanitary is Key!"
🔹 "HS Code Defines Duty, 25% Surcharge is Real, Documentation Saves Days!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wool is not from China (e.g., from Australia, New Zealand, or Mongolia), you avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff.
Consider supply chain diversification to reduce costs for US market.
For US-bound wool from China, pre-clearance consultation with a customs broker is highly recommended to ensure correct documentation (Phytosanitary + Special Use Proof).

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact Customs Broker + Provide Lab Test Report + Secure Phytosanitary Certificate
🚀 Ensure Smooth Clearance, Control Costs, and Maximize Profits!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Tariff Matters in Raw Material Trade!