About HS Code 5907
Heading 5907 serves as a crucial residual classification within Chapter 59, encompassing textile fabrics that are "otherwise impregnated, coated or covered," meaning they don't fall under more specific headings like 5901 (gummed), 5902 (tire cord), 5903 (plastics-coated), 5905 (wall coverings), or 5906 (rubberised). This broad scope covers a wide array of specialized textile treatments designed to impart specific functional or aesthetic properties. A notable inclusion is painted canvas used for theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths, or similar decorative and functional applications. The classification's boundaries are defined by the absence of specific coating materials (like rubber or plastics) and the retention of the textile's fundamental character. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, this heading is vital for classifying niche products such as fabrics treated with waxes, metallic powders, fire-retardant chemicals (where not primarily for structural use), or even certain types of paints not forming a distinct layer. Understanding its residual nature is key to avoiding misclassification, ensuring compliance with tariff rates, and navigating import regulations. Its significance lies in accommodating innovative textile modifications that don't fit neatly into other categories, reflecting the continuous evolution of textile technology and applications in industries from entertainment to safety.
Products Under This Code
Painted canvas for theatrical backdrops, studio photography back-cloths, wax-coated cotton fabric for outdoor gear, oil-impregnated textile filters, metallic powder coated decorative fabrics, fire-retardant treated stage curtains (not made up), anti-mildew treated tent fabrics, water-repellent canvas (not rubberised or plastic-coated), textile fabrics impregnated with special chemicals for industrial filters, reflective fabric for safety garments (where coating is not plastic), printed textile advertising banners (unmade up, specially coated), acoustic dampening fabrics (impregnated with sound-absorbing agents), historical reproduction painted canvases, artist's primed canvas in rolls, anti-static treated textile fabrics, textile fabrics treated with insect repellents, soundproof treated fabrics, light-blocking treated fabrics, fabric for projection screens (unmounted), specialized architectural textile membranes
Real World Examples
A major theatrical production company in New York imports large rolls of painted canvas from Italy, specifically designed for elaborate stage backdrops and scenery. These oversized textile rolls are typically shipped via ocean freight from ports like Genoa to Newark, New Jersey, forming the visual heart of Broadway shows. A British outdoor equipment manufacturer sources wax-impregnated cotton fabric from India for traditional waterproof jackets and bags. This specialized fabric is valued for its natural water resistance and durability, transported by sea from Mumbai to Felixstowe, supporting sustainable fashion lines. A Japanese film studio imports flame-retardant treated textile fabrics from Germany for constructing studio back-cloths and temporary sets. These fabrics, crucial for safety and visual effects, are air-freighted from Frankfurt to Tokyo, ensuring prompt delivery for tight production schedules. An Australian company specializing in industrial filtration systems imports chemically impregnated textile filter media from China. These rolls of fabric, treated to capture specific pollutants, are shipped to ports like Sydney or Melbourne, where they are processed into custom filter elements for various industrial applications.
Common Misclassification
The primary misclassification risk for 5907 lies in its residual nature. Traders often confuse it with more specific coated fabrics like those of 5903 (plastics-coated) or 5906 (rubberised). If a fabric is coated with PVC, polyurethane, or similar plastics, it belongs to 5903, not 5907. Similarly, if the coating is rubber, 5906 is the correct heading. Another common mistake is classifying simple printed textiles (Chapter 50-60) here; 5907 requires a functional impregnation, coating, or covering beyond mere printing. The distinction for painted canvas is critical: if it's merely a printed design without a substantial coating or treatment that alters the fabric's properties, it might belong elsewhere.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Textiles & Clothing industry.
Trade Overview
China, India, Germany, Italy, and South Korea are significant exporters of the diverse range of fabrics classified under 5907, driven by their advanced textile processing capabilities and specialized chemical industries. Major importers include the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, and European Union countries, where these fabrics are used in entertainment, industrial, and outdoor gear manufacturing. Trade agreements play a role in reducing tariffs, but the specialized nature of these treatments can sometimes lead to additional regulatory scrutiny regarding chemical safety and environmental compliance, especially in markets with strict import standards like the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 5907?
HS code 5907 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Textile fabrics; otherwise impregnated, coated or covered; painted canvas being theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths or the like. Heading 5907 serves as a crucial residual classification within Chapter 59, encompassing textile fabrics that are "otherwise impregnated, coated or covered," meaning they don't fall under more specific headings like 5901 (gummed), 5902 (tire cord), 5903 (plastics-coated), 5905 (wall coverings), or 5906 (rubberised). This broad scope covers a wide array of specialized textile treatments designed to impart specific functional or aesthetic properties. A notable inclusion is painted canvas used for theatrical scenery, studio back-cloths, or similar decorative and functional applications. The classification's boundaries are defined by the absence of specific coating materials (like rubber or plastics) and the retention of the textile's fundamental character. For importers, exporters, and customs brokers, this heading is vital for classifying niche products such as fabrics treated with waxes, metallic powders, fire-retardant chemicals (where not primarily for structural use), or even certain types of paints not forming a distinct layer. Understanding its residual nature is key to avoiding misclassification, ensuring compliance with tariff rates, and navigating import regulations. Its significance lies in accommodating innovative textile modifications that don't fit neatly into other categories, reflecting the continuous evolution of textile technology and applications in industries from entertainment to safety.
What products fall under HS code 5907?
Painted canvas for theatrical backdrops, studio photography back-cloths, wax-coated cotton fabric for outdoor gear, oil-impregnated textile filters, metallic powder coated decorative fabrics, fire-retardant treated stage curtains (not made up), anti-mildew treated tent fabrics, water-repellent canvas (not rubberised or plastic-coated), textile fabrics impregnated with special chemicals for industrial filters, reflective fabric for safety garments (where coating is not plastic), printed textile advertising banners (unmade up, specially coated), acoustic dampening fabrics (impregnated with sound-absorbing agents), historical reproduction painted canvases, artist's primed canvas in rolls, anti-static treated textile fabrics, textile fabrics treated with insect repellents, soundproof treated fabrics, light-blocking treated fabrics, fabric for projection screens (unmounted), specialized architectural textile membranes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 5907?
The primary misclassification risk for 5907 lies in its residual nature. Traders often confuse it with more specific coated fabrics like those of 5903 (plastics-coated) or 5906 (rubberised). If a fabric is coated with PVC, polyurethane, or similar plastics, it belongs to 5903, not 5907. Similarly, if the coating is rubber, 5906 is the correct heading. Another common mistake is classifying simple printed textiles (Chapter 50-60) here; 5907 requires a functional impregnation, coating, or covering beyond mere printing. The distinction for painted canvas is critical: if it's merely a printed design without a substantial coating or treatment that alters the fabric's properties, it might belong elsewhere.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 5907?
China, India, Germany, Italy, and South Korea are significant exporters of the diverse range of fabrics classified under 5907, driven by their advanced textile processing capabilities and specialized chemical industries. Major importers include the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, and European Union countries, where these fabrics are used in entertainment, industrial, and outdoor gear manufacturing. Trade agreements play a role in reducing tariffs, but the specialized nature of these treatments can sometimes lead to additional regulatory scrutiny regarding chemical safety and environmental compliance, especially in markets with strict import standards like the EU.
How is HS code 5907 structured?
HS code 5907 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 59 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (59) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.