HS 701963 Closed woven fabrics, plain weave, of yarns, not coated or laminated

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What products does HS 701963 cover?

This subheading covers closed woven fabrics made from glass fibers, specifically those woven in a plain weave construction using yarns. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these fabrics must not be coated or laminated with other materials. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristics are the plain weave structure and the absence of any surface treatments like coatings or laminations, focusing solely on the woven glass yarn fabric itself.

What falls outside HS 701963?

The following products are excluded from HS 701963: fabrics that are not of a plain weave, such as twill or satin weaves; glass fabrics that have been coated, laminated, or otherwise treated with resins, plastics, or other materials; non-woven glass fiber materials like mats or felts; and fabrics made from other materials besides glass fibers. For instance, coated glass fabrics for roofing applications would typically fall under a different subheading, as would glass fiber mats used for insulation.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 701963?

A common error is misinterpreting the "not coated or laminated" condition. Importers may mistakenly classify fabrics that have undergone minimal surface treatments, such as sizing agents applied to improve yarn strength, under this subheading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), mixtures or composite goods are classified as if they consisted of the material or component that gives them their essential character. If a coating or lamination significantly alters the fabric's function, it would likely be excluded from 701963.

How should importers classify products under HS 701963?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 701963 involves a detailed examination of the fabric's construction and composition. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the fabric is woven from glass yarns, that the weave is a plain weave, and crucially, that no coating or lamination has been applied. Reviewing product specifications, manufacturer declarations, and potentially obtaining laboratory analysis if ambiguity exists are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 701963?

A roll of plain weave glass fabric weighing 100 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 30% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 30% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 701963.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 701963?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 701963. For goods originating in Canada or Mexico, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can provide for duty-free entry. Similarly, for goods originating in the United Kingdom, the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted) or existing preferential arrangements could lead to reduced duties. Documentation required typically includes a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement for USMCA, and potentially a EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration for other agreements.

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