HS Code 56.02 – Felt; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated

HS code 5602 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Felt; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated. Heading 5602 specifically covers 'Felt; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated.' Felt is a unique non-woven textile material produced by matting, condensing, and pressing textile fibres together, typically wool or synthetic fibres, using heat, moisture, and pressure. This classification encompasses various types, including pressed felt (made directly from fibres) and needleloom felt (mechanically interlocked fibres), distinguishing it from woven or knitted fabrics. The scope extends to felt that has undergone further processing, such as impregnation with chemicals for water resistance, coating with rubber or plastics for durability, covering with other materials for specific aesthetics, or laminating for enhanced strength or insulation. Key sub-categories include industrial felt, craft felt, polishing felt, and felt for acoustic or thermal insulation. This classification is critical for trade compliance because the specific type of felt and its subsequent treatments directly influence its end-use, value, and applicable tariffs. For example, industrial felt for machinery differs significantly from decorative craft felt. Historically, felt has been used for millennia for clothing, shelter, and industrial applications due to its unique properties. Within Section XI (Textiles) and Chapter 56 (Wadding, Felt, Nonwovens), 5602 highlights a foundational non-woven textile form, setting it apart from other fibre assemblies and fabrics, and plays a crucial role in industries ranging from automotive and construction to fashion and arts.

Industrial wool felt, polyester needleloom felt, sound insulation felt panels, felt gaskets and washers, craft felt sheets, polishing felt wheels, automotive interior felt, geotextile felt, filtering felt for liquids, roofing felt, felt for musical instruments (piano hammers), shoe felt insoles, medical felt pads, fire-retardant felt, anti-vibration felt, laminated felt for flooring, impregnated felt for sealing, coated felt for weatherstripping, decorative felt fabrics, activated carbon felt, synthetic fibre felt for filtration, acrylic felt, recycled fibre felt, heat-resistant felt, electrically conductive felt.

A common error is confusing felt (5602) with nonwovens (5603). While both are non-woven, felt is traditionally made by matting and pressing fibers, often with a significant wool content, resulting in a dense, compact structure. Nonwovens, conversely, are typically formed by bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, chemical, or thermal means, often from synthetic fibers, and encompass a broader range of structures and properties. Traders might also misclassify felt as a finished article (e.g., Chapter 63 for textile articles) if it's cut to shape for a specific use, but if it's still in the form of rolls or sheets, it remains 5602. Additionally, felt that is merely a component of a more complex product, like a felt-lined shoe, should be classified under the finished product, not as raw felt. Distinguishing the manufacturing process and the degree of finishing is key.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5602 in UN Comtrade data were China ($335M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($289M) and the United States ($161M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5602 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($119M, 7.5% of world imports), Mexico ($117M) and Germany ($93M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 5602 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 56 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (56) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.