Tariff Scope
International tariff classification chapters establish legal definitions and numerical coding for raw, semi-processed, and interlaced animal hair materials. Classification under HS code chapter 51 covers greasy wool, carded fleece, combed tops, and fabric structures made from fine or coarse animal hair. Customs valuation relies on these specific six-digit subheadings to apply appropriate duty rates to greasy fleeces and finished yarn stocks.
The chapter scope stops at raw materials or spun yarns and excludes knitted apparel or finished garments constructed from animal hair yarns.
Material Classification
Categorization criteria separate fine animal hair such as cashmere, alpaca, and camel hair from coarse animal hair and sheep wool based on fibre diameter metrics. When raw shipments enter port facilities, HS code chapter 51 provides distinct code headings based on whether wool is carded or carbonized. Moisture content and vegetable matter impurities are measured during laboratory testing to establish clean yield weight.
Yield calculations dictate the taxable mass used for customs duty calculations.
Processing Exclusion
Chemical processing and garment manufacturing transition products into separate tariff chapters downstream. Converting animal hair yarns into finished apparel shifts products into garment chapters, removing them from raw material classification.
Commercial Impact
Raw material buyers and spinning mills utilize specific tariff headings to forecast landed costs for greasy wool and scoured top contracts. Customs audits verify that imported fibre lots match declared diameter and processing stages. False declaration of fibre origin or processing level results in administrative fines and tariff reclassification.
