wool fleece

🐑 Wool Fleece – HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Full Customs Clearance Breakdown

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Professional Import Strategy

📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is “Wool Fleece”?

Wool fleece refers to the raw, unprocessed wool sheared directly from sheep, still containing natural grease, dirt, and lanolin. It is the first stage of wool processing and is not yet cleaned, carded, combed, or spun.

⚠️ Critical Distinction: - Greasy wool (fleece-washed or raw) → Classified under 5101.11.60.30 / 5101.11.60.60 - Cleaned, degreased, or carbonized wool → May fall under 5101.12.00.00 or 5102.19.60.60 - Waste, noils, or yarn waste → Classified separately (see below)

✅ Key Feature: Wool fleece is not processed beyond shearing and is not yet graded or sorted.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)

🔍 Important Note:
- “Wool fleece” = raw, greasy, unprocessed wool → Only 5101.11.60.30 or 5101.11.60.60 apply. - Do NOT use 5103 codes for raw fleece — those are for waste, not primary product.

💰 III. 2026 Updated Tariff Rates (Including附加 Taxes & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN), Australia (AU), New Zealand (NZ), Uruguay (UY), etc.
✅ Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (or as per latest USTR updates)

🎯 1. 5101.11.60.30 — Wool, Greasy, Shorn, Not Finer than 58s

📌 Explanation:
- This code is exempt from all additional tariffs under the U.S. Section 301 and IEEPA regimes. - Even if imported from China, no extra 25% or 10% is applied. - Ideal for coarse wool fleece from major exporters like Australia or New Zealand.

🎯 2. 5101.11.60.60 — Wool, Greasy, Shorn, Finer than 58s

📌 Explanation:
- Despite being finer and more valuable, this code is still tariff-free in the U.S. - Applies to Merino, Rambouillet, or other fine wool fleece. - No additional duty even from China — zero cost for U.S. importers.

🎯 3. 5102.20.00.00 — Coarse Animal Hair, Not Carded or Combed

📌 Explanation:
- Coarse animal hair (e.g., camel, llama, alpaca, goat) is subject to 25% additional tariff under U.S. Section 301. - No de minimis exemption — even small shipments are fully taxed. - High risk of penalty if misclassified.

🎯 4. 5102.19.60.60 — Fine Animal Hair, Not Processed Beyond Degreased/Carbonized

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to degreased or carbonized fine animal hair (e.g., cashmere, alpaca) that has not been carded or combed. - Tariff-free — no additional duties. - Must prove it’s not further processed (e.g., no spinning or blending).

🎯 5. 5103.10.00.00 — Noils of Wool or Fine Animal Hair (Waste)

📌 Explanation:
- Noils (short fibers from spinning) are waste, not raw fleece. - Tariff-free, even from China. - Must be clearly labeled as “waste” or “noils” to avoid misclassification.

🎯 6. 5103.20.00.00 — Other Waste of Wool or Fine Animal Hair

📌 Explanation:
- Applies to general wool waste (e.g., trimmings, fabric scraps). - No additional tariffs — fully exempt. - Must not be confused with raw fleece.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)

✅ 2.申报技巧 (Key Rules to Remember)

🔥 “Fleece = Raw, Greasy, Unprocessed” → Only 5101.11.60.30 or 5101.11.60.60 Apply!

✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)

📌 Key Insight:
- USA is the only market where coarse animal hair (e.g., camel) is hit with 25% tariff. - Fine wool fleece is tariff-free everywhere — a major advantage.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Pitfalls)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring raw wool fleece as 5103.20.00.00 (waste)
👉 Result: Audit, penalty, and 25% underpayment — even if from NZ or AU.

❌ Mistake 2: Using 5102.20.00.00 for fine animal hair (e.g., alpaca)
👉 Result: 25% extra duty — avoidable if you use 5102.19.60.60.

❌ Mistake 3: Not providing origin proof for Chinese wool
👉 Result: Assumed 301 tariff applies → even if code is 0%.

✅ Correct Way to Declare:

“Wool Fleece, Greasy, Shorn, Not Finer than 58s, Origin: Australia, 100 kg, Raw, Unprocessed, No Carding or Combing”

🎯 VII. Final Verdict: Precision Pays Off!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:

🔹 “Fleece = Raw = No Processing = Use 5101.11.60.30/60”
🔹 “Coarse Hair = 25% Tariff = Use 5102.20.00.00”
🔹 “Waste = Noils or Trimmings = Use 5103.10.00.00/20.00.00”

💡 Pro Tip:
If your wool is from Australia, New Zealand, or Uruguay, you can get 0% duty in the U.S. — even if from China, as long as you use the correct code.

📣 Take Action Now!

📞 Contact a licensed customs broker or HS Code pre-ruling service
🚀 Get your product pre-classified before shipment
💼 Save thousands in tariffs and avoid penalties, delays, and rejections

✨ Professional Customs, Starts with Perfect Classification!
💼 Your wool fleece deserves the right HS code — not a guess!