Heading 5603

Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated

27 declarable lines

Heading 5603 covers nonwovens: textile fabrics made directly from fibers or filaments rather than by weaving or knitting, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. The heading splits first by fiber type, man-made filaments (5603.11 through 5603.14) versus other (5603.91 through 5603.94), then by weight in grams per square meter, and finally by treatment or article type, such as impregnated or imitation suede, ready-for-use packaged articles, laminated fabrics, floor covering underlays, and other nonwovens. All declarable lines shown in this heading carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Products in this heading

Diaper and incontinence product backsheet material
Disposable surgical gown and drape fabric
Face mask filter and outer layer media
Dry nonwoven cleaning or shop wipes
Nonwoven interlining for garments
Mattress ticking and upholstery backing
Floor covering underlay pads
Imitation suede nonwoven fabric

How to choose the right subheading

Fiber type: man-made filaments (5603.11 to 5603.14) versus other fibers (5603.91 to 5603.94).
Weight per square meter: not more than 25 g/m2, more than 25 but not more than 70, more than 70 but not more than 150, or more than 150.
Treatment: whether the fabric is impregnated, coated or covered with material other than or in addition to rubber, plastics, wood pulp or glass fibers, including imitation suede.
Construction and form: laminated fabrics, floor covering underlays, thermal bonded or mechanically entangled staple fiber nonwovens, and ready-for-use packaged articles each have their own line.
Packaging and use: articles cut and packaged for industrial, institutional or retail sale are named separately from goods in bulk rolls.

Often confused with

Felt fabric
Felt is a separate heading even when impregnated, coated, covered or laminated.
Heading 5602
Wadding and short textile fibers under 5 mm (flock)
Wadding and flock are covered by their own heading, not by nonwovens.
Heading 5601
Woven fabric of synthetic filament yarn
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing yarns, not bonded fibers, so they leave heading 5603.
Heading 5407
Textile fabric coated or laminated with plastics where the plastic is the visible surface
Plastic-coated or laminated textile fabrics are classified in heading 5903 when the textile serves as reinforcement.
Heading 5903
Knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope
Made up nets and knotted netting fall in heading 5608.
Heading 5608

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for nonwoven fabric of man-made filaments weighing 50 g/m2?

It falls in 5603.12, the range for more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2. Plain uncoated fabric in bulk is classified under 5603.12.00.95, which carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on nonwoven fabric in heading 5603?

Every line listed in heading 5603 carries a general (MFN) rate of Free, for example 5603.11.00.95 and 5603.94.90.90. The classification still controls admissibility, marking and recordkeeping even when the rate is Free.

How do I classify nonwoven floor covering underlay?

Use 5603.94.10.90 for underlays of fibers other than wool or fine animal hair, general (MFN) rate Free. Underlays of wool or fine animal hair go in 5603.94.10.10, also Free, and both require a weight over 150 g/m2.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.