HS 620220 Of wool or fine animal hair

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 620220 is typically 12.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under certain trade agreements, goods from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may receive a Free (0%) duty rate. It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine the correct preferential rate. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate information. For the US, this would be the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule; for the EU, the TARIC database; and for the UK, the UK Trade Tariff.

The import duty for HS code 620220 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 12.00% and the declared customs value of a shipment of women's wool overcoats is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (customs value) × 12.00% (duty rate) = $1,200 USD. If a specific duty rate (e.g., per unit) applies, the calculation would be rate per unit × number of units. It is essential to confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) as specified in the importing country's tariff schedule.

To be classified under HS code 620220, the garment must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be a 'women's or girls' overcoat, car-coat, cape, cloak, anorak, wind-cheater, wind-jacket and similar garment'. Secondly, and critically for this subheading, the garment must be 'of wool or fine animal hair'. This means that the predominant fiber content by weight must be wool (from sheep or lambs) or fine animal hair, which includes fibers such as cashmere, mohair, angora, alpaca, llama, vicuña, or camel hair. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on fiber content percentages and classification rules. Importers must ensure their commercial documentation accurately reflects the fiber composition.

Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 620220. Examples include agreements between the US and countries like Chile, Singapore, and South Korea; the EU's agreements with various partners; and the UK's post-Brexit trade deals. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need to provide a 'Proof of Origin' document. This could be a Certificate of Origin issued by the exporting country's authorities or a declaration of origin made by the exporter on the commercial invoice or a separate document, depending on the specific trade agreement's requirements. The exact documentation and format can vary, so consulting the relevant trade agreement text and the importing country's customs regulations is vital.

Beyond standard import documents like the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list, specific documentation for HS code 620220 may be required, particularly concerning fiber content and origin. For instance, a declaration of fiber content from the manufacturer or exporter, confirming that the garments are indeed 'of wool or fine animal hair', might be requested by customs authorities to verify classification. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or exporter's declaration of origin is mandatory. Additionally, depending on the importing country, regulations related to labeling (e.g., fiber content, country of origin) must be adhered to. Customs brokers should be prepared to provide any requested supporting documents to facilitate clearance.