About HS Code 58
HS Chapter 58 encompasses a diverse and specialized range of textile products, distinct from the more generic woven fabrics of Chapters 50-55 and knitted fabrics of Chapter 60. This chapter specifically covers 'Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics; lace; tapestries; trimmings; embroidery.' Its scope is defined by the unique construction methods or decorative elements of the textiles, rather than solely by their constituent material. Key sub-categories include tufted fabrics (5801), terry toweling and gauze (5802, 5803), tulle and lace (5804), hand-woven tapestries (5805), narrow woven fabrics (5806), labels and badges (5807), braids and decorative trimmings (5808), woven fabrics of metal thread (5809), embroidery (5810), and quilted textile products (5811). This classification is critical for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, quotas, and specific import/export regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant duties, penalties, or delays. Historically, textiles have been central to global trade, and special fabrics often represent higher value-added goods, reflecting craftsmanship, technological innovation, or specific industrial applications. Understanding the precise definitions, such as the difference between a 'special woven fabric' and a 'plain woven fabric,' or distinguishing woven lace from knitted lace, is paramount. The chapter primarily deals with fabrics in the piece, in strips, or in motifs, not typically finished made-up articles, which usually fall under Chapters 61, 62, or 63. Its boundaries are crucial for distinguishing between raw material and finished product, impacting everything from sourcing to retail.
Products Under This Code
Tufted velvet fabric, Chenille upholstery fabric, Woven terry toweling in rolls, Medical gauze in bulk, Nylon tulle fabric, Machine-made cotton lace trim, Guipure lace panels, Hand-woven Gobelin tapestries, Jacquard woven narrow fabrics, Woven satin garment labels, Embroidered uniform badges, Decorative curtain trimmings, Braided cords for furniture, Tassels for home decor, Metallic thread woven fabric for costumes, Chemical lace motifs, Appliquéd embroidery in rolls, Quilted textile panels for bedding, Woven ribbons for gift packaging, Upholstery braid, Schiffli embroidery, Brocade fabric, Damask fabric, Velvet fabric (cut pile type)
Real World Examples
A European luxury fashion house imports high-quality machine-made chemical lace from China for its latest collection. These intricate lace panels, classified under HS 5804, are typically shipped via air freight to fashion hubs like Milan or Paris, where they undergo customs clearance, often benefiting from streamlined procedures due to established trade relationships. In another scenario, a US-based uniform manufacturer sources large quantities of woven polyester labels (HS 5807) and embroidered patches (HS 5810) from Vietnam. These components are usually transported by ocean container to West Coast ports, requiring careful documentation to leverage potential tariff reductions under existing free trade agreements. Furthermore, a German furniture company imports rolls of tufted velvet fabric (HS 5801) from Turkey for its sofa production. This specialized fabric moves efficiently within Europe via road transport, navigating EU customs rules which, while simplified, still demand precise classification for internal tax and reporting purposes. Lastly, an art gallery in Japan imports unique, hand-woven wool tapestries (HS 5805) from India. These high-value, artisanal items are often shipped by sea, arriving at major ports like Tokyo, where customs officials pay close attention to origin and valuation due to their cultural significance and potential for duty variations.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassification errors in Chapter 58 often arise from overlooking the 'special' nature of the fabric or confusing construction methods. Traders frequently misclassify specialty woven fabrics here with plain woven fabrics of Chapters 50-55 (e.g., cotton, man-made fibers). For instance, a complex Jacquard woven fabric, which belongs in Chapter 58 due to its intricate weave structure, might mistakenly be classified under a general cotton fabric heading (e.g., 5208) if the 'special woven' aspect is not recognized. Another frequent mistake is confusing knitted or crocheted lace or ribbons (Chapter 60) with their woven counterparts in 5804 or 5806. The distinction lies in the fabric formation method: interlocking loops for knitting/crocheting versus interlacing warp and weft for weaving. Finally, finished articles made from textiles, such as a quilted blanket, might be incorrectly classified under 5811 (quilted textile products in the piece) instead of Chapter 63 (e.g., 6301 for blankets), as Chapter 58 generally covers materials 'in the piece' rather than ready-to-use made-up articles.
Headings in This Chapter 11
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
Major importers of goods under Chapter 58 include the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan, driven by strong demand in fashion, home furnishings, and specialized industrial applications. Leading exporters are predominantly China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Vietnam, leveraging their robust textile manufacturing capabilities. Trade agreements significantly impact duties for these goods; for example, products from countries with FTAs (like the USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA) may qualify for preferential tariffs, provided strict Rules of Origin (often 'yarn-forward' or 'fabric-forward' rules for textiles) are met. Anti-dumping duties can also apply to specific textile items from certain countries, adding complexity to classification and sourcing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 58?
HS code 58 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Fabrics; special woven fabrics, tufted textile fabrics, lace, tapestries, trimmings, embroidery. HS Chapter 58 encompasses a diverse and specialized range of textile products, distinct from the more generic woven fabrics of Chapters 50-55 and knitted fabrics of Chapter 60. This chapter specifically covers 'Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics; lace; tapestries; trimmings; embroidery.' Its scope is defined by the unique construction methods or decorative elements of the textiles, rather than solely by their constituent material. Key sub-categories include tufted fabrics (5801), terry toweling and gauze (5802, 5803), tulle and lace (5804), hand-woven tapestries (5805), narrow woven fabrics (5806), labels and badges (5807), braids and decorative trimmings (5808), woven fabrics of metal thread (5809), embroidery (5810), and quilted textile products (5811). This classification is critical for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, quotas, and specific import/export regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant duties, penalties, or delays. Historically, textiles have been central to global trade, and special fabrics often represent higher value-added goods, reflecting craftsmanship, technological innovation, or specific industrial applications. Understanding the precise definitions, such as the difference between a 'special woven fabric' and a 'plain woven fabric,' or distinguishing woven lace from knitted lace, is paramount. The chapter primarily deals with fabrics in the piece, in strips, or in motifs, not typically finished made-up articles, which usually fall under Chapters 61, 62, or 63. Its boundaries are crucial for distinguishing between raw material and finished product, impacting everything from sourcing to retail.
What products fall under HS code 58?
Tufted velvet fabric, Chenille upholstery fabric, Woven terry toweling in rolls, Medical gauze in bulk, Nylon tulle fabric, Machine-made cotton lace trim, Guipure lace panels, Hand-woven Gobelin tapestries, Jacquard woven narrow fabrics, Woven satin garment labels, Embroidered uniform badges, Decorative curtain trimmings, Braided cords for furniture, Tassels for home decor, Metallic thread woven fabric for costumes, Chemical lace motifs, Appliquéd embroidery in rolls, Quilted textile panels for bedding, Woven ribbons for gift packaging, Upholstery braid, Schiffli embroidery, Brocade fabric, Damask fabric, Velvet fabric (cut pile type)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 58?
Common misclassification errors in Chapter 58 often arise from overlooking the 'special' nature of the fabric or confusing construction methods. Traders frequently misclassify specialty woven fabrics here with plain woven fabrics of Chapters 50-55 (e.g., cotton, man-made fibers). For instance, a complex Jacquard woven fabric, which belongs in Chapter 58 due to its intricate weave structure, might mistakenly be classified under a general cotton fabric heading (e.g., 5208) if the 'special woven' aspect is not recognized. Another frequent mistake is confusing knitted or crocheted lace or ribbons (Chapter 60) with their woven counterparts in 5804 or 5806. The distinction lies in the fabric formation method: interlocking loops for knitting/crocheting versus interlacing warp and weft for weaving. Finally, finished articles made from textiles, such as a quilted blanket, might be incorrectly classified under 5811 (quilted textile products in the piece) instead of Chapter 63 (e.g., 6301 for blankets), as Chapter 58 generally covers materials 'in the piece' rather than ready-to-use made-up articles.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 58?
Major importers of goods under Chapter 58 include the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Japan, driven by strong demand in fashion, home furnishings, and specialized industrial applications. Leading exporters are predominantly China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Vietnam, leveraging their robust textile manufacturing capabilities. Trade agreements significantly impact duties for these goods; for example, products from countries with FTAs (like the USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA) may qualify for preferential tariffs, provided strict Rules of Origin (often 'yarn-forward' or 'fabric-forward' rules for textiles) are met. Anti-dumping duties can also apply to specific textile items from certain countries, adding complexity to classification and sourcing strategies.
How is HS code 58 structured?
HS code 58 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.