HS 510211 Fine animal hair

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What products does HS 510211 cover?

This subheading covers fine animal hair, not carded or combed, originating from animals such as rabbits (e.g., Angora rabbit hair), goats (e.g., Cashmere, Mohair), and other fine-haired animals, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system specify that this category excludes coarser animal hairs. The key characteristic is the fineness of the hair, typically measured by its diameter, which is significantly smaller than that of wool.

What falls outside HS 510211?

The following products are excluded from HS 510211: coarse animal hair, such as that from camels or alpacas (classified under 510220), and animal hair that has been carded or combed (classified under 5105). Furthermore, wool, even if fine, is classified under Chapter 51 but in different headings. For instance, sheep's wool, whether or not scoured or carbonized, falls under heading 5101 or 5103. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff application, preventing misclassification of materials like llama or alpaca fiber.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 510211?

A common error is the misclassification of animal hair based on its source animal without verifying its fineness or processing state. For example, mistaking coarser goat hair for fine goat hair (cashmere) or classifying carded or combed fine animal hair under this subheading instead of heading 5105. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure the hair is indeed "fine" and not carded or combed.

How should importers classify products under HS 510211?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 510211 involves a thorough examination of the product's characteristics and origin. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the animal hair is from a fine-haired species, such as Angora rabbit or Cashmere goat, and that it has not undergone carding or combing. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is essential for confirming the precise definition of "fine animal hair" and its exclusions.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 510211?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of raw Angora rabbit hair, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $750.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 510211.0000. The calculation is: $5,000 USD (declared value) × 0.15 (duty rate) = $750.00 (duty amount). This rate applies in the absence of preferential trade agreements.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 510211?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 510211, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer a Free rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may provide reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.

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